Gypsies bid to stay on land - Wiltshire

From the Salisbury Journal

A ROMANY Gyspy and his family have launched a bid to stay on land in Whiteparish.

William Clarke, his partner Tammy Beswick and their two children have been living in a caravan at Tricky’s Paddock in Brickworth Road since a planning inspector granted temporary permission in 2009.

Inspector Gerald Hollington said the harm to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area meant it was not “appropriate” for permanent permission to be granted but allowed Mr Clarke and his family permission to live there in one caravan for up to three years after which the land should be returned to its former condition.

Mr Clarke is now seeking to have the conditions varied and removed to allow permanent occupation and to allow him to park his touring caravan on the land as well. He says the site complies with policy and is suitable for an unrestricted Gypsy and Traveller site.

Wiltshire Council received 48 letters of objection from residents and Whiteparish Parish Council also objects to the plan.

Planning committee members refused to vary the conditions and said the temporary permission was only granted due to Mr Clarke’s specific personal circumstances.

A planning inspector will hold an informal hearing to consider the appeal at a date to be confirmed.