RETROSPECTIVE proposals for a Gypsy caravan site close to a Childer Thornton hotel have been rejected.
The application was submitted by Patrick Maloney on a former landfill site dating to the 1950s, now agricultural land, near the Brook Meadow Hotel, Heath Lane.
Mr Maloney told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council he was seeking approval for the change of use to a residential caravan site for three Gypsy families, each with three caravans.
The plans include hardstanding, earth mounds, fencing, a new access and three amenity blocks.
They were considered by a Cheshire West and Chester Council planning board meeting in Winsford at the request of Ledsham and Willaston councillor Myles Hogg (Con) in view of local residents’ objections.
The council has almost 130 representations arguing the Gypsy site is inappropriate in the Green Belt and there are no special circumstances.
Residents believe the change of use contravenes their human rights and suggest a dangerous precedent could be set.
They claim the Gypsies left a more suitable site in Ellesmere Port
Mr Maloney put forward special circumstances including the need for pitches in the area, the absence of alternative sites and the personal accommodation needs of the residents.
Planning officers said that ‘on balance’ a temporary permission could be granted taking account of recent appeal decisions but recommended refusal as the pitches are on a former landfill site and it had not been shown there was no unacceptable risk to human health.
Cllr Hogg felt the reasons for refusal should also include the harm to the Green Belt and the effect on the amenities of the surrounding area.
Board chairman Cllr Ralph Oultram (Con, Weaver) believed the families’ decision to move on detracted from the special circumstances.
The application was rejected.
