COUNCILLORS have granted planning permission for an ‘immaculate’ traveller site near Higher Walton to become permanent and expand to make room for the residents’ extended family.

Neighbours objected to the proposals at a meeting of the development management committee last night, Wednesday, but the proposals for Two Acre Park off Warrington Road were approved.

Councillors heard that travellers settled on the site more than 20 years ago and now want to increase the number of caravans on the land to 30.

But there were more than 24 objections to the plans and a resident speaking at the meeting said: “It’s wrong to claim that they have a greater right because of their ethnicity or health.

“The council created the green belt for good reason. If you think people should be able to take planning considerations into their own hands and then bide their time, then vote to approve it. Others will surely follow.”

Philip Brown, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the council needs to provide 30 pitches for travellers as part of the local plan and has accepted that the land must be taken out of the green belt.

He said: “Children at Two Acre Park have grown up with children from other families in the village. Two generations have now passed through Stockton Heath Primary School. They are part of the established community.

“They will be confined to life on the roadside if you refuse planning permission.”

And Cllr Sheila Woodyatt (CON – Lymm South) said it would not be right to ask the travellers to move after more than two decades on the land.

She said: “The site is absolutely immaculate. It’s very well kept and I’m afraid to say it’s a lot cleaner and tidier than many places.

“I appreciate that some of the village residents are not happy but there are issues we need to take on board.

“My view is that it would be totally unreasonable to expect people who have been settled there for 20 years without any serious problems to move.”

The planning application was approved by a majority vote with Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) voting to refuse permission and Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) abstaining.

Read more: Councillors to decide if traveller site should expand and be made permanent