Date set for public inquiry into plans for Moor Lane Gypsy site - Cheshire

From wilmslow.co.uk

A date has been set for the public inquiry into Cheshire East Council's refusal to grant planning permission for the development of a Gypsy site off Moor Lane.

The inquiry will be heard over two days on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th March at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The controversial plans to change the use of the open land, which lies within the Green Belt, for the stationing of caravans, a utility/day room and additional hard standing were refused for the second time in January 2013. The Northern Planning Committee refused the application on the grounds that very special circumstances do not exist to justify inappropriate development in the green belt.

Green Planning Solutions, who are acting on behalf of Mr John Allen, submitted an appeal to the Secretary of State, on the grounds that a single pitch will create limited actual harm to the openness of the green belt which is outweighed by the lack of suitable and affordable sites in the area.

According to the appeal documentation "Green Planning Solutions are of the opinion that there is a significant immediate need in the district. This adds considerable weight in favour of the appeal." It also states "If necessary personal circumstances will be advanced including the potential site occupants personal need for a site, health and education."

A document submitted with the planning application (reference 12/4247M), which the Council received over 550 letters of objection to, said that Mr Allen's eldest son suffers from glaucoma. Therefore it was necessary to move closer to Manchester Eye Hospital as they need to attend regular appointments and sometimes require emergency specialist treatment.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member in charge of planning, said: "In Cheshire East, we want to deliver sustainable sites for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople that are fit for purpose. It was felt that the site in Moor Lane is not an appropriate development in the greenbelt and is not sustainable.

"We hope that the planning inspectorate will share this view and we await the outcome of the public inquiry."

Members of the public can attend the public inquiry and, at the inspector's discretion, give their views for or against the planning application.

A spokesperson for Cheshire East said "They can get advice from the inspectorate but they usually say they need to attend the inquiry and tell the Inspector they wish to speak. We will write to everyone who commented approximately two weeks before the Inquiry date."

A decision on this planning application, reference 12/4247M, is expected to be made between 5 and 12 weeks after the public inquiry.

Further information can be found on the Cheshire East Council website, by searching for planning reference 12/4247M.