Councillors block plans for new Traveller camp - Flintshire

From the Daily Post

A RENEWED bid to build a Traveller camp in the Ewloe countryside has been blocked by councillors.

Campaigners were celebrating on Wednesday after the proposals for a Traveller site off Magazine Lane were thrown out by Flintshire County Council’s planning committee.

It was the third time applicant Martin Rooney had sought permission for five permanent pitches for Gypsy caravans, utility buildings and spaces for touring mobile homes.

But councillors sided with residents who have fought the proposals since they were first mooted back in 2010.

“The site is clearly unsuitable,” said Ewloe councillor Dave Mackie.

The original plans were refused by the council in January last year. At the time Matthew Green from Green Planning Solutions, representing Mr Rooney, immediately said he would appeal the decision and force a public inquiry – and warned the council it could end up with a huge legal bill.

But a Welsh Government inspector dismissed the appeal after a three-day inquiry last July.

His report listed ‘serious concerns’ over the living conditions at the proposed site and pointed to major noise pollution from the nearby A55 – officially the loudest road in Wales.

Amended plans – including a 13ft barrier to reduce noise – were then submitted, but the plans still did not meet councillors’ approval.

Mr Green, who was branded ‘arrogant’ by Ewloe councillor Alison Halford, said he would appeal again. He told the meeting: “You will lose and you will pay the full costs. The only losers will be the taxpayers and you have a responsibility to them.”

Cllr Mike Peers said: “I'm not here to be lectured or threatened – it's an inappropriate development.”

Residents said from the start the plans were out-of-keeping with the area and raised concerns about traffic, drainage and sewage. They also maintained the ‘green barrier’ between Ewloe and Northop Hall should not be developed.

Members of Ewloe Green Action Group, formed in 2010 to fight the initial proposals, were delighted after their latest victory.

Spokeswoman Pat Williams said the proposed sound reduction barrier would have caused ‘an irretrievable adverse effect on the landscape’.

ScottishPower had also expressed safety concerns about electricity cables overhanging the site, which Mr Green dismissed.

Cllr Halford told him: “Stop taking risks with the lives of young Gypsy children purely to protect your own arrogant reputation.”