Plans for travellers site on green belt land in Shropshire set for rejection despite community support

Shropshire Council’s southern planning committee agreed to approve temporary permission for a privately-owned traveller site in Tong Forge in Shifnal in April last year.

The ruling allowed the Quinn family, who have been on the site since late 2021, to remain for another 12 months. 

At the time it was said that the decision would allow more time for other potential sites to be explored, and for the council's Local Plan to progress.

It was hoped that the emerging Local Plan would provide more clarity over proposed planning policies regarding gypsy and traveller sites, but Government inspectors have since put the plan on hold after raising "serious concerns".

The original application, which followed a previous proposal which was refused last year, said the family’s personal circumstances – namely the children’s education and the health needs of other family members – met the ‘very special circumstances’ required for any green belt development.

At the time, letters of support were received from local businesses, friends, sports clubs, Shifnal Primary School, the parish church and even the local postman. 

The latest application - to make the change permanent - has attracted similar support, with 13 locals backing the plans.

Most of the supportive comments praise the Quinn family as being "valued members of the Shifnal" community. 

"They're a good reputable family and deserve a permanent home for the family and kids' education," wrote Mr Aaron Davies. 

Five objections have also been raised against the application, including from Tong Parish Council. 

The Parish Council raised concerns that the development has already "caused considerable harm" to the green belt and raised concerns about the validity of claims made in the supplied Ecology Report.

Now, the plans now looked to be rejected at a meeting of the southern planning committee on Tuesday evening. 

A report, which will be presented to the committee, recommends councillors reject the "inappropriate development". 

It reads: "In this case, there are alternative sites which are available and situated outside of the Green Belt. Therefore, the argument around the need for the development in the green belt and 'very special circumstances' does not stand up to scrutiny."

If councillors do reject the plan, the family will be required to remove a hardstanding area that has been built on the site.

The report also recommends that an enforcement notice be issued requiring the site to be vacated and reinstated to its former condition within a prescribed period of six months.