Public Inquiry Set for the Darlingscott Gypsy Encampment

A public inquiry starts on Tuesday 16 December, following an appeal by Ernest Wilson and Families for a site at the crossroads at Darlingscott, Shipston-on-Stour.

The appeal relates to a planning application for a change of use of land for stationing of caravans in a 16 pitch gypsy site with ancillary access road, hardstanding and dayrooms. 

A précis version of the reasons why the application was refused is:

The Council refused the planning application on 15th July 2008 on the basis that the development harmed the visual amenity and the rural character of the area in this visually prominent location.  In addition it was considered that the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the site would meet an unmet need within the District as identified in the Gypsy Travellers Accommodation Assessment for the South Housing Market Area of the West Midlands region (March 2008).  The development was considered to fail to comply with policies PR1, DEV1 and CTY1 of the adopted Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan Review which seek to protect the landscape and also policy CTY7 which relates specifically to gypsy sites.

The inquiry, expected to last for 3 days, will be held at The Town Hall, Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, starting at 10am on 16 December 2008.  A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.

Documents relating to the appeal can be viewed at the Council offices by prior arrangement, anybody interested in doing so should contact Lucy DeDomenico (Administrative Assistant) (tel 01789 260140).

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their view - at the discretion of the Inspector, but if interested parties wish to contact the Planning Inspectorate (an independent body to determine the application) they can do so by speaking or writing to Roger Thomas, 3/26a, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN Tel: 0117 3728034.