Decision on gypsy encampment at Darlingscott

Stratford-on-Avon District Councils decision to refuse planning permission for a gypsy encampment was heard by an independent planning inspector following an appeal by Ernest Wilson and Families and the appeal has been allowed.

Following the public inquiry heard between 16 and 18 December 2008, the Inspector has granted a temporary planning permission for the 16 pitch gypsy site on land at the crossroads at Darlingscott, Shipston-on-Stour for a period of 4 years and restricted to named individuals.

The temporary permission has been granted due to the existing significant shortfall of gypsy sites within the District and the personal circumstances of the families.  There is a reasonable expectation that new gypsy sites will become available to meet that need at the end of the temporary planning permission.

According to the Inspector a temporary permission of 4 years would provide the opportunity for the appellants to search for alternative sites and for the children on the site to make a seamless as possible transfer to alternative schools should this be necessary.

In allowing the appeal the Inspector has confirmed that in view of the harm to the countryside the site is not regarded as an appropriate location for a permanent gypsy site.  The Inspector also states that the granting of a temporary permission should not be regarded as setting a precedent for the determination of any future applications for full permission for the use of the land as a caravan site.

"We stand by the Inspectors decision to grant temporary planning permission for those named individuals and remind the public that the District Council continues to take any planning breaches seriously," says Councillor Stuart Beese, Portfolio Holder for Planning.