9:10am Monday 27th February 2012
TRAVELLERS have been given a further six months to leave an unauthorised caravan site in Newent.
On Monday Forest of Dean District Council served enforcement notices on the occupants of the site at Southend Lane.
The notices demand they vacate the site and allow its reinstatement to its original condition as grazing land, and give them six months to comply.
The travellers first moved onto the land, which they own, in May 2009, putting down hardstanding and installing utilities.
Forest of Dean District Council issued an enforcement notice ordering them to leave. The travellers appealed but, after a public inquiry, were told they must leave.
However they were given two years – until January 31 this year – to do so, to allow time for more suitable sites to be identified.
The latest enforcement action comes after that deadline passed and the gipsies remained at the site.
Pete Williams, group manager for planning and housing at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “We appreciate this timescale may cause concern amongst some residents of Newent who wish to see the site cleared quickly. However, as the local planning authority we must be able to demonstrate our actions are proportionate and fair.
“Six months is a reasonable length of time to reinstate the land and allow the occupants time to make alternative arrangements.”
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/trade_directory/