Grappenhall residents celebrate traveller planning win (From Warrington Guardian)

Grappenhall residents celebrate traveller planning win

1:00pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News

RESIDENTS who campaigned against a traveller site in Grappenhall have won after plans were rejected by councillors.

An application by the Smith family for two mobile homes and ten caravans at the site off Cartridge Lane was unanimously turned down by the development management committee on Thursday.

They said it was unsuitable in the green belt and that upping the amount of caravans from two to ten meant the development would be too large.

Neighbours had filled the Town Hall to oppose the plans with 200 letters of objection also submitted.

Following the decision a spokesman for residents said: “We have argued that adding more caravans to the plot,which is in the Green belt, was not only illegal but totally out of keeping with the local environment and would lead to increased traffic in the area.

“Our objective has been to preserve the beauty of the natural surrounding areas as well as maintaining the the suitability for activities of a community that could have changed forever had permission been granted.

“We gathered over 600 signatures on our ePetition and well over 200 letters of objection which demonstrates the strength of feeling in the local community.

“We wish the Travellers wellin finding a more suitable settlement to match their needs but continue to feel that this particular site is unsuitable.

Clr Mike Biggin (Grappenhall and Thelwall LD) also spoke out against the plans.

He said: “Clearly I’m delighted that the development management committee have supported the residents and decided to protect the green belt from this inappropriate development.

“The applicant has demonstrated by his actions that he is unlikely to abide by the law or by the conditions set down by even the expired temporary permission.

“Although we have no prejudice against the travellers or their lifestyle choice it is plainly unfair, in the view of many, that they should be allowed to continually flout planning law.”

A traveller family currently lives on the site. It is likely there will be an appeal.