Decision on Cheltenham Gypsy site delayed until New Year - Gloucestershire

From the Gloucestershire Echo

Controversial plans for Gypsies to take up permanent residence in a field on the outskirts of Cheltenham will be ruled on in the New Year after a planning committee meeting scheduled was cancelled.

Lita Cox and her family, who are of Gypsy descent, want to make the Castle Dream Stud in Charlton Kings their full-time home, having occupied the site temporarily for two years.

During that time they have installed hard-standing, fencing, stables and a caravan in the field off Mill Lane and the plans seek to allow these features to remain permanently.

The application has not gone down well in some quarters, with a group of residents voicing concerns it could pave the way for more members of the Gypsy community to move in on the land - part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A decision was due to be taken at a borough council planning committee meeting this week but that has now been cancelled.

The next planning committee meeting will be held on January 16, when a decision on the application is expected.