Gypsy site could go ahead if owners fork out £127 -

From the Burton Mail

A CONTROVERSIAL Gypsy site could be allowed to stay - despite more than 200 objections over the environmental impact on a nearby river.

South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee could finally make a decision next week over the long-running saga of land opposite The Cricketts Inn, in Acresford Road, Netherseal.

A caravan is already on site without planning permission despite an enforcement notice being issued in 2011, and dismissed at appeal.

Failure to win at appeal has led to a retrospective application.

The application has received objections from 291 copies of a signed letter, 35 individual letters and 23 emails. Since it was deferred in March, it has received a further 27 letters and three emails objections. Netherseal, Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Acresford parish councils also object.

Concerns raised issues over 12 legitimate Traveller sites (some with vacancies) that are already within South Derbyshire.

However, the main concern is the site is situated within the catchment area of the River Mease, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and drainage and pollution finding their way into the river.

The application was deferred by the planning committee in March as further drainage information was needed to decide whether it would be possible to connect the development to the existing mains sewer.

Roger Yarwood, agent to the applicant, R Winson confirmed Severn Trent Water said a sewer connection can be made.

The applicant provided an impact report on the river which says the Environment Agency and Natural England will have no objections as one caravan will not significantly have any impact on the sewer, and that stables previously on the site created a greater risk of pollution.

The enforcement notice appeal was dismissed on the grounds of the impact on the river. The planning inspector was satisfied that it would not cause harm to character and appearance of the countryside. The council has said a refusal on these grounds would be difficult to defend at appeal, and could only be done if members thought that inadequate drainage details have been submitted.

Instead, subject to the applicant paying £127 towards water quality management, the planning department has recommended the plans for approval.