“Temporary” gypsy caravan site is now permanent

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the go-ahead for a controversial temporary gypsy caravan site on Green Belt land to be made permanent.
Appleton Parish Council had opposed the proposal in Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall but the borough council’s development management committee decided the site – which has been there for 12 years – should be allowed to remain because there are not enough gypsy sites in the borough.
They were also concerned for the welfare of seven children said to be living on the site.
The site, in Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall, has been occupied since November 2007 and was granted temporary status by the Secretary of State on appeal in July 2014.
But the temporary consent had expired and as a result, the site was now unauthorised.
The committee was told there were currently six caravans on the site proposals wouldl not alter or amend the site layout or facilities.
Planning officers said the access will remain unaltered via a gated, private drive off Cartridge Lane with suitable turning facilities to allow vehicles to exit in a forward direction.
“Vehicle movements will be no greater than that afforded by a typical housing development with the added benefit of considerably reduced construction traffic,” they said
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council objected on the grounds of inappropriate development in the Green Belt. But there had been no objections from nearby residents and planning officers recommended the application be approved.
The committee was told that bird and bat boxes would be provided at three locations within the site and a log and rubble insect and animal refuge would also be provided.
Development in the Green Belt can only be justified by “very special circumstances” – but officers said the severe lack of sites for gypsies or travellers in Warrington represented such circumstances.