Anger over new travellers' camp plan

ANGER has flared following the submission of new plans for a travellers’ caravan camp on Green Belt land at Warrington.
The scheme involves the “unofficial” caravan site off Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall which is already the subject of an appeal following the borough council’s refusal to grant planning consent.
Appleton Parish Council has already resolved to object to the new scheme after members decided it was little, if any, different to the original one.
Borough planning chiefs threw out a retrospective planning application by traveller Tom Smith earlier this year.
Mr Smith was seeking permission for hardstandings, caravans and temporary storage buildings on the site after he had actually installed them.
The travellers’ arrival on the Green Belt site caused a storm of protest – particularly after it was discovered Mr Smith had purchased the land.
A number of trees at the entrance to the site were felled after planning officers had ruled they were obstructing visibility for drivers.
Mr Smith appealed against the council’s decision and a public inquiry has been ordered, although a date has yet to be announced.
The new planning application appears to be an attempt to persuade the borough council to think again and avoid the need for an inquiry.
Town Hall chiefs have, in the meantime, made an order prohibiting the removal of any further trees at the site.