Gipsy site growth is backed by inspectors

Controversial plans to extend a gipsy site in South Staffordshire were today granted by the Planning Inspectorate - despite claims it would be an "inappropriate intrusion" into the green belt.

Jim and Ann Lee can now add eight pitches to the site in Oak Tree Park, Featherstone, after the shock ruling overturned a council decision. South Staffordshire Council rejected the plans earlier this year, prompting the couple to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to develop the site they have owned for 20 years. trim pls

At a public inquiry into the plans held at the council's offices in Codsall, lawyers acting on behalf of the authority argued that the development would see 23 extra pitches created at the New Road site when 15 is the recommended maximum for any plot.

Mr Philip Brown, acting on behalf of the Lees, accused the council of not granting planning permission for one single gipsy site in the past 20 years.

And Planning Inspectorate Philip Brookes granted the appeal and criticised the council for not meeting the needs of travellers.

A report produced by Mr Brookes states that there is a "clear and unmet" need for extra traveller pitches in the district, with Government guidelines recommending the council provides 14 new pitches across the district by 2012.

He said: "I find that the considerations in support of this appeal clearly outweigh the conflict with development plan and national policies designed to protect the green belt.

"The situation in South Staffordshire is that there is at present a clear and immediate unmet local need for additional gipsy site provision."

Plans to extend three other gipsy sites in Wolverhampton Road, Penkridge; Pool House Nurseries, Wombourne and Monkhouse Lane, Slade Heath, have also been rejected by the council.

Councillor Bob Cope today said that he was disappointed" at the decision.

"I appreciate the need for gipsy pitches but I feel like they are all in Featherstone," he said.

"We already have the largest prison and I don't think it is fair for us to have the most gipsies too."