Hemley Hill latest planning application refused - Buckinghamshire

From the Bucks Free Press

A PLANNING application for caravans at Hemley Hill has been refused by Wycombe District Council.

Travellers moved onto the site near Princes Risborough over the Easter weekend in 2009.

Since then, there has been a long dispute to move the families off the land, and last July they were given 18 months to leave.

But in December Travellers put in a further planning application to WDC for a change of use of land for a private Gypsy/Traveller site for four families including four mobile homes, four caravans and four utility buildings.

The application was refused under powers delegated to the head of planning and sustainability at WDC.

Harm to the Green Belt and to the future public enjoyment of the area was given as two reasons as to why it was refused.

A lack of provision of utilities on the site was another reason given, as was the detrimental impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residential properties due to the poor layout.

WDC has spent more than £60,000 following the legal procedures since Gypsies moved onto the site.

The applicants have the right to appeal the decision within 28 days of the notice, which was made last Friday.