Disappointment at Shropshire travellers' site ruling
Campaigners said today they are disappointed a traveller family has won a battle to stay on land in a Shropshire village.
But they say the fact the family has been only given a three-year temporary permission is "some consolation" to objectors.
A planning inspector has ruled Jerry and Michelle Berry should be allowed to live on land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club at Gobowen after the family appealed against Shropshire Council's decision to refuse permission.
The family has lived on the site since 2010 without planning permission and twice applied to have formal permission to be allowed to stay. Their first application,which attracted dozens of objections from villagers and neighbouring businesses, was refused by Shropshire Council and rejected on appeal.
Their second bid, for a smaller development, was also refused by Shropshire Council but inspector Richard McCoy ruled their appeal should be allowed.
However, he said the family should only have temporary permission, saying the three-year window will allow Shropshire Council to provide an alternative site.
Councillor David Lloyd, who represents Gobowen on Shropshire Council, said: "This news will come as a big disappointment to the many people who objected to the application. The fact that it is a three-year temporary permission provides some consolation particularly because plans are proceeding to provide additional pitches at the nearby Park Hall travellers' site. I do think that three years is a little generous, however."
Among several conditions attached to the permission is that the land must be vacated after three years and all "caravans, buildings, structures, materials and equipment brought on to the land or works undertaken to it in connection with that use shall be removed and the land restored to its condition before the residential use took place".
Councillor Lloyd said: "The real test of the reality of their case will come when the council offers an alternative site in three years."
