Frustration over lack of information in Old Windsor Travellers' site public inquiry - Berkshire

From the Royal Borough Observer

FRUSTRATED villagers are still awaiting the results of a public inquiry over a Travellers’ site - now a month overdue.

The report on the inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate about a Travellers’ site at land adjacent to Newtonside Orchard, in Burfield Road, Old Windsor, was due to be published on October 3, but no result has yet been released.

Councillor Jane Dawson, chairwoman of Old Windsor parish council, said: “We are just sat here like mushrooms waiting for the outcome. What is the point of giving a target date when you are not going to keep to it?”

The Planning Inspectorate states the October 3, date as a guide but no reason has been given for the delay.

The inquiry, which concluded in May, 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. Old Windsor parish council were also opposed to the plan.

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