AN APPLICATION involving a Gypsy and Traveller site on Chester's outskirts is recommended for refusal.Š
Lee Rogers has told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council he is seeking to renew a planning permission at Whitegate Stables, Plemstall Lane, Mickle Trafford and to erect a larger utility block.Š
The issue is due to be debated at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday (January 17) at the request of Chester Villages councillor Margaret Parker (Con) on the grounds the development is inappropriate in the green belt.Š
Temporary permission was agreed in 2007 on a retrospective basis for five caravans, according to a report.Š
This was renewed in 2008 for a further three years.
A request for a further five caravans to be brought on was rejected in 2009 but allowed on appeal.
The plans included an amenity block but Mr Rogers has now applied for a larger block as part of the renewed permission.Š
Mickle Trafford and District Parish Council has objected as it believes the application is inappropriate in the green belt.Š
Councillors claim the utility building would be three times the size of the approved block.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England has also objected and with the parish council points out that alternative sites are being put forward by the borough council.Š
Almost 90 residents oppose the plans arguing there are no reasons to extend the temporary permission and Mickle Trafford already has enough Gypsy sites.Š
Councillors are due to hear that in the absence of readily available pitches to relocate the families to, a temporary 12 month permission would be appropriate.Š
Although Mr Rogers has explained the need for a larger amenity building, planning officers believe the larger block would be harmful to the openness of that part of the borough's green belt.Š
They have recommended refusal.
The application is due to be considered at the committee's meeting at HQ on Tuesday starting at 4pm.
