Victory! - Lancashire

From RAPAR

After a four year battle with Chorley Council, Mike and Pattie have succeeded in keeping their family home.

An amended planning application to use their small piece of land in Chorley as a Gypsy site was given two years’ temporary planning permission at the Planning Meeting at Chorley Town Hall on 9th July.

Delighted supporters commented, “it’s a wonderful result, they are such a lovely family,”… “I can’t believe we don’t have to go home and plan for the next battle” … “now the children are safe at school and the family can at last get on with their lives”.

As friends and supporters gathered to celebrate, Pattie Linfoot said “It’s fantastic news! We’ve had so many messages of support. I’d like to thank everyone for their help. We couldn’t have done it without them. Now we can relax and enjoy family time.”

RAPAR’s Sandy Broadhurst said: “This is certainly a great result for the Linfoot family and a tribute to they and all their supporters – but it also has implications for all Travellers. Chorley Council failed to include provision for Travellers in their Town Plan and failed to make adequate assessments of Gypsy and Traveller need in their area. This is not acceptable. All Gypsies and Travellers have the right to appropriate housing and the opportunity to pursue their culture. Let’s hope that the Linfoots’ victory is the start of proper provision for Travellers throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester.”

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