A GYPSY traveller site in Chester's Green Belt has a further temporary permission despite objections from parish councillors.
The application was made at Whitegate Stables on Plemstall Lane in Mickle Trafford by Mr L Rogers.
In October 2007, retrospective permission was granted by Chester City Council for a temporary change of use of the stable yard to a stable yard and caravan site for five caravans.
The decision, involving a temporary approval for 12 months, was reached on the casting vote of planning chairman Cllr Andrew Storrar (Con, Saughall).
Councillors heard it was the first time in Chester district that a Gypsy site had been recommended for permission, although with “very tight and specific conditions”.
Chester's planning board has now been told that Mickle Trafford and District Parish Council still objects and feels that any permission should be limited to one year to allow an annual review.
It argues that Gypsies should not be given any special consideration and an appropriate site should be found for them to live on.
City planners feel special circumstances do exist due to the lack of adequate sites in the district and the personal circumstances of the family.
A report says these have not changed with three children of school age enrolled in local schools and four family members with serious medical problems requiring regular hospital treatment.
Approval would ensure “without doubt” that the need for Gypsies and travellers in Chester district up to 2016 had been met.
Councillors were recommended to grant a temporary permission for three years to enable the need to be reassessed in 2011.
Vicars Cross Cllr Paul Cheetham (Lib Dem) described the site as “impeccably run” and pointed out that no issues had been raised within the local community “whatsoever”.
He moved approval.
Development control manager Fiona Edwards advised the board that if the application was refused, the city council could find itself in a situation where an inspector approved a less suitable site.
Asked by Cllr Brian Crowe (Con, Mollington) if planning officers would agree that alternative sites were available, Miss Edwards replied: “Other sites may not be available to this family.”
“There have been no complaints about the site,” Cllr Storrar pointed out.
“The fact there have not been any does speak for the management of the site.”
Supporting the application, Hoole Groves Cllr David Hull (Lib Dem) said: “I welcome the fact we have travellers in the area who are not creating any problems.”
The board agreed on an 11-1 vote with one abstention the application could be approved.
