Extra day needed for Old Windsor Travellers' site inquiry as tempers begin to fray - Berkshire

From the Royal Borough Observer

VILLAGERS will have to wait even longer for a decision to be made about the future of a Travellers' site after it was decided to extend a planning inquiry today.

A public inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate about a Travellers' site at land adjacent to Newtonside Orchard, in Burfield Road, Old Windsor. was due to conclude today.

However, the inquiry has overran and a fifth day will be required which will take place on Friday, May 17th at the Town Hall, in St Ives Road, Maidenhead.

Speaking at the meeting at the Royal Windsor Racecourse, in Maidenhead Road, Clive Kirkbride, planning inspector, said: "Hopefully that then will draw an end to the process.

"I will then make a report with recommendations to the Secretary of State [for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles MP] who is the final decision maker on this appeal."

The inquiry relates to an application to change the use of the land to allow the building of five Travellers' pitches by landowner Fred Sines.

It was refused by the Royal Borough in August last year, but Mr Sines appealed.

The inquiry will also make a decision about an enforcement notice issued by the Royal Borough for the current occupants of the site to vacate.

Tempers frayed at the meeting today as Gary Grant, legal representative for the Royal Borough, accused Andrew Masters, representing Mr Sines, of being 'aggressive' in his approach.

This was during a re-examination by Mr Grant of Royal Borough witness Chris Ward after Mr Masters had finished cross-examining Mr Ward.

Mr Masters replied he was merely being 'robust'.

Mr Kirkbride later made light of the altercation. He said: "The good thing is that it makes it easier for me by asking so many questions as there is little left for me to ask!"

The day concluded with chartered town planner David Norris speaking on behalf of the Old Windsor Parish Council.

Mr Norris raised parish council concerns over development of the green belt, noise concerns for local residents and highway concerns.

Speaking in reference to a proposed wall around part of the Travellers' site, Mr Norris added: "The parish council fears a wall would prevent social inclusion for the Travellers."

At the resumed inquiry, planning conditions, the appropriateness of potential S106 developer contributions, closing submissions and a costs application from Mr Sines' representatives will all be discussed.

Mr Kirkbride will also give a timetable for when a decision on the outcome of the inquiry is likely to be made.