Crockleford Heath: Gypsy appeal dismissed (From Essex County Standard)

Crockleford Heath: Gypsy appeal dismissed

9:00am Friday 16th October 2009

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Travellers have been denied permission to install 12 pitches in Crockleford Heath, near Colchester.

Romany gypsies Will and Jo Banks wanted to use land off Green Lane for a new site, but their bid was turned down by Tendring Council in January.

On appeal, government inspector Elizabeth Fieldhouse agreed with the district authority, with her decision released yesterday.

She said the main reasons for refusal were the effect on the character and visual amenity of the area and the impact the scheme would have on locals.

Her report said: “The proposal is for a scale and intensity of use uncharacteristic of the local area.

“It would introduce a disproportionate number of new residents into the well-established hamlet of Crockleford Heath, overwhelming the resident population in the vicinity.”

She added: “By reason of the number of pitches proposed, the use would have more than a minimal visual impact on the countryside.”

Mrs Fieldhouse's decision will be welcome news to Ardleigh and Elmstead Market parish councils, which set up a fighting fund to pay for a barrister to plead their case against the proposals.

The plans were contentious from the start, with 274 letters of objection to the original application, along with an 800-strong petition.

More than 80 further letters were sent in response to the appeal, with 20 submitted in favour.

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