by Chris Malone
The final decision over whether to build a caravan site on green belt land near Coventry will be made at the highest level, it has been confirmed.
According to local government secretary Eric Pickles, he will make the final call on whether the site gets permission.
It comes after villagers in Meriden felt so strongly about the travellers’ site that they took their protest to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Residents Against Inappropriate Development spokesman David McGrath explained that the full consultation being carried out on behalf of Mr Pickles will give all parties a chance to voice their opinions.
Those on both sides of the argument will be asked to state their case in front of planning officers, who will then make a recommendation to the Cabinet minister.
“A decision can be taken in the light of the sea change in planning law which the new coalition government wants to bring in,” Mr McGrath said.
In other news, the Aberdeen Press & Journal has revealed that travellers at two local caravan sites could be handed eviction notices at the request of Aberdeen City Council and car dealer Pendragon.
