A traveller family has been granted permission to make an unauthorised site in south Shropshire their permanent home.
A part-retrospective application for a plot of land off Netherton Lane, just outside Highley, was approved by Shropshire Council’s south planning committee despite objections from local councillors and neighbours.
Planning officers had recommended the change of use application, made following an enforcement investigation, be approved because of the personal circumstances of the family and the lack of available sites in the county for them to move to.
They also said forcing the family to move would not be in the best interests of the young children living there, which was a key consideration.
The permission means they will now be able to stay on the site and create six permanent pitches. Each pitch will accommodate one static caravan and one touring caravan, a garden area and parking. Three amenity blocks will also be created.
The application was made by John and Karen Jones, who will live on one pitch with their two youngest children. Their three older sons and older daughter, who has a young family of her own, will also live on the site.
Objectors, including Highley Parish Council, local councillor Dave Tremellen and 57 members of the public, had raised concerns about the impact on traffic, local wildlife and the nearby sewage works. They also questioned the suitability of the location for a large family with children and dogs so close to the elderly residents of Highley Park Homes, which is accessed via the same lane.
There were however four letters of support, and the council’s ecology, drainage and highways teams did not object.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Tremellen said: “I originally objected to this application on the basis of its environmental impact and the obvious contempt with which the applicants treated the planning process.”
He said the fact the development had progressed unlawfully meant the “opportunity was lost” to mitigate any environmental damage.
The committee voted overwhelmingly in support of the application, with just one abstention.
Councillor Nat Green said: “As far as I can see it is very sustainable, it’s very close to the shops and services in Highley.”
Councillor Nick Hignett added: “There doesn’t seem to be any realistic alternative sites, especially bearing in mind the children’s welfare and the fact they attend the local school.”
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