Gypsy family wins temporary permission to occupy land in Cheltenham - Gloucestershire

From the Gloucestershire Echo

A Gypsy family has been granted permission to remain on land in Cheltenham – but only on a temporary basis.

Lita Cox, who is of Gypsy heritage, had applied to the borough council to take up permanent residence at Castle Dream Stud, in Mill Lane, having occupied the site temporarily for the past two years.

However at a planning committee meeting on Thursday evening councillors followed officers’ recommendations in voting for a temporary three year permission only.

The application caused controversy among residents living in the area who voiced concerns that allowing permanent occupation of the site could pave the way for more members of the Gypsy and traveller community to move on to the land – part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Garry Humphris spoke at the meeting on behalf of Ham residents.

“Residents of Ham agree with the officer’s recommendation for a temporary three year permission rather than allowing a permanent permission,” he said.