THE lack of a permanent, publicly owned gypsy site in the Warrington was a “major factor” in the recent planning battle over an unofficial site at Grappenhall, according to a Town Hall chief.
Strategic director of Environment and Planning Andy Farrall comments on the issue in a report to the borough council’s development control committee.
A public inquiry
resulted in a gypsy family winning permission to stay on land at Grappenhall Lodge, Cartridge Lane – even though the inspector who conducted the inquiry accepted the caravan site was an inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
He said hardstanding put down by the travellers was “particularly offensive to the eye” in view of its contrast with the otherwise soft landscaped setting.
Overall, he said, the development had harmed the the visual amenity of the Green Belt.
But he said there was an unfulfilled need for caravan pitches in Warrington and the adverse consequences for the gypsy family of being forced to move would be excessive compared to the temporary harm to the Green Belt.
He granted the family a temporary consent of three years.
Mr Farrall pointed out that the decision was in line with the original recommendation by borough officers which was to grant planning permission, but which was subsequently altered to one of refusal on the advice of highway engineered.
The decision indicated the “balancing exercise” needed in assessing such cases, even where the development was clearly inappropriate.
“The lack of alternative, publicly owned gypsy sites in Warrington is a major factor in enabling the local planning authority to resist similar speculative planning applications such as this,” he added.
