Planning chiefs reject proposal to double size of gypsy caravan site

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have thrown out an application to double the size of a gypsy caravan site.

The proposal put forward by Charles Smith on behalf of five gypsy families already living on the site off Fir Tree Close, Stretton, involved a change of use of land adjoining the existing site to allow 10 families, each with two caravans, to occupy the enlarged piece of land.

It was opposed by Stretton Parish Council and a local resident – and now planning officers, using delegated powers have refused permission.
They say the expansion would be inappropriate in the Green Belt
Planning consent for the existing five families was granted in 2018 despite fierce opposition from local residents.
Officers said the existing site had already been expanded without planning consent.
Agents acting on behalf of the families said the lack of alternative sites in the Warrington area, justified the special circumstances necessary to grant permission in the Green Belt.

Additional landscaping, comprising tree and shrub planting on a 1.5 metre-high earth embankment, along the eastern and southern boundaries, would fully enclose the extended caravan site within well-defined hedgerow boundaries and, help assimilate existing and proposed development into their semi-rural surroundings.
But Warrington Borough Council planning officers said expanding the existing site would cause significant damage to the openness of the Green Belt.
Insufficient information had been put forward to show whether the development would result in a loss of biodiversity or harm protected wildlife species