Beauty spot fear over caravans
A beauty spot which dates back to the 18th Century would be spoiled if permission for a travellers' encampment is granted, an inquiry heard. A beauty spot which dates back to the 18th Century would be spoiled if permission for a travellers' encampment is granted, an inquiry heard. Dave Burton-Pye, conservation, design and tourism manager for South Staffordshire Council, told the inquiry that Patrick Dunne's site was not in keeping with the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. He said the site of Mr Dunne's three caravans would spoil the enjoyment of the conservation area by people on narrowboats and fishermen. He said: "The appeal site represents a diminution of the conservation area. "Building on the site has caused demonstrable harm. Further development by the applicant would add to this." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
A beauty spot which dates back to the 18th Century would be spoiled if permission for a travellers' encampment is granted, an inquiry heard.
Dave Burton-Pye, conservation, design and tourism manager for South Staffordshire Council, told the inquiry that Patrick Dunne's site was not in keeping with the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
He said the site of Mr Dunne's three caravans would spoil the enjoyment of the conservation area by people on narrowboats and fishermen.
He said: "The appeal site represents a diminution of the conservation area.
"Building on the site has caused demonstrable harm. Further development by the applicant would add to this."
The legal team representing Mr Dunne said the council had allowed a caravan club to house five vehicles next to the canal to the north of Brinsford Bridge on the A449.
They also said the canal was close to the Black Country, on the "urban fringe".
But Mr Burton-Pye said that while the caravan club did not add to the attractiveness of the canal, it was an acceptable leisure use in keeping with the purpose of the canal. The canal was built between 1766 and 1772.
Mr Burton-Pye was awarded an MBE for his services to tourism in the county.
Planning inspector Claire Sherratt was today resuming the inquiry for the third day of evidence.
Mr Dunne has already been prosecuted in court and fined £5,500 after laying a road surface and putting up lights on the land. Last year he was ordered to remove his encampment after South Staffordshire Council threw out his bid for planning permission.
Mr Alan Masters, the barrister representing Mr Dunne, has also accused the council of discriminating against travellers because it has never complied with government instructions to provide council-owned sites for travellers.
The council has agreed for permission for a number of privately owned sites but does not operate its own.
The inquiry at the council offices in Codsall will continue until tomorrow, after which Miss Sherratt will report back to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears.
