Date set for inquiry on Tern Hill traveller site bid

A government planning inspector will rule over plans submitted by Paul Brooks to build pitches for four traveller caravans on land beside the A41 in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton.

A four-day hearing at Market Drayton's Festival Drayton Centre is scheduled to start on October 8.

Developers had their application turned down by Shropshire Council, but they appealed the decision earlier this month and were told a public inquiry would take place.

The council turned down the application in October last year using delegated powers after describing it as an "alien feature" which would be out of keeping with the local area.

Local residents also objected to the scheme, earmarked for land at Adbo Farm in Rosehill, after agreeing it was not in keeping with the area and too close to the main road.

Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council also objected to the plans after raising fears of the potential visual and noise impact on neighbours.

A design and access statement on behalf of applicant said the site would be able to "facilitate a gipsy lifestyle".

The statement said: "The applicant seeks permission to provide four residential family gipsy pitches with utility/day-rooms to meet a recognised need.

"The single storey utility/day rooms are positioned to allow convenient access to the stationed caravans during the day.

"The utility/day rooms will provide facilities that enable the occupants of the caravans to minimise the recognised hazards associated with cooking and fire in the close confines of caravans, and provide facilities for washing and bathing and the maintenance of basic hygiene.

"The proposal contains numerous measures that will be taken in order to minimise any resultant visual impact."

Karen Townend, planning officer for Shropshire Council, confirmed the details of the inquiry.

Agent Green Planning Solutions LLP, which is working on behalf of the applicant, confirmed an appeal had been lodged, but did not wish to comment any further.