Shifnal traveller family can stay on 'green belt' land after four-year battle for their home, inspector rules

A government planning inspector has told the family they can stay in Shifnal after all, after Shropshire Council gave them six months to vacate the site.

The privately owned traveller site at Tong Forge has been home to the Quinn family since late 2021.

In 2023 the family was given temporary permission to settle on the land while the council's Local Plan progressed, which would bring more clarity over planning policies regarding gypsy and traveller sites.

But in the years since, Shropshire Council's Local Plan was withdrawn after serious concerns were raised by Government inspectors. Work on a replacement isn't set to begin until January 2026.

Last year, the Quinn family asked the local authority for permission to remain permanently on the site - arguing that personal circumstances – namely their children’s education and the health needs of other family members – met the ‘very special circumstances’ required for any green belt development.

Over the years, the family's attempts to stay on the site have garnered support from local businesses, friends, sports clubs, Shifnal Primary School, the parish church and even the local postman - with letters of support calling the Quinn family "valued members of the Shifnal community". 

Despite their pleas, in November last year Shropshire Council determined the development was "inappropriate" and said there were alternative sites available outside of the green belt. 

After the ruling, the family was given six months to leave the land and return the site to its condition prior to 2021.

In a final bid to remain, the Quinn family appealed to the Government Planning Inspectorate, which has now overturned Shropshire Council's ruling. 

In the report, published this week, Inspector M Madge determined that the council had failed to provide the required supply of pitches for travellers in Shropshire. 

While the council highlighted 22 possible pitches, the inspector said that only two could meet the needs of travellers. With the rejection of the Quinns' application, the need for four additional pitches would become immediate. 

The inspector's report also stated the site was "not incongruous or visually unsympathetic", was "well screened" by hedgerows and did not harm the character or appearance of the rural landscape. 

They also determined the land was actually 'grey belt' land - a status granted to previously developed or poorly maintained land within the green belt - and therefore, suitable for development to meet housing needs. 

The full report is available to view online on Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number 24/01534/FUL.