by Chris Malone
A South Derbyshire gypsy caravan site could be set for an extension after the owner won a government appeal following the refusal of planning permission from the local council.
John Cawley has now been given the green light to add two static caravans, two touring caravans and two portable utility blocks to the site in Hilton’s Sutton Lane, the Burton Mail reported.
The improvements will cater for up to 14 people and have now been given the green light in spite of concerns over noise pollution.
They will effectively double the site’s capacity to 28 residents, further increasing the number of gypsy pitches in the village, with two other camps also given permission.
District council member for the Hilton area Julie Patten explained that she was far from happy with the decision.
“I was at the original inquiry and the applicants were quite clear they only required the amount of pitches they asked for, but here we are in this situation,” she said. “I did not expect this and I am absolutely dismayed.”
Ms Patten criticised the gypsy community for having “no regard for legislation or planning policy” and predicted a knock-on effect will be felt in the local area.
In other news, Caravanners applying for a trailer license in the New Year will have to complete a new on-road braking exercise.
