|
Published:
April 4, 2006
Planning
permission granted for Rooksbridge gypsy site
Sedgemoor
District Council's Planning Committee has given planning permission
to two Gypsy families living on a controversial site at Rooksbridge,
near Burnham-On-Sea.
After
a long-running debate about the site, the committee voted on Tuesday
afternoon, April 4th, to give the green light to the families
who already live on the site, together with open space on the
remainder of the land previously occupied by gypsies and travellers.
The
approval is subject to revisions to the boundary wall and details
of the earth bund alongside the M5 motorway.
 The
committee also decided that there should be a maximum of four
caravans on each plot to protect the amenities of nearby houses.
District
council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The
committee had very careful regard to the issues and concerns raised
by local residents in making their decision."
"The
agreement of planning permission is a very important milestone
in the resolution of this long-running issue."
District
Council officers will now undertake the further work that is required
before the planning permission can be issued, and provide detailed
costs for the scheme, to allow Councillors to give final approval
for it to go ahead.
Claire
Faun added: "The Council is very hopeful that having now
obtained planning permission, it can achieve a Government grant
to reduce the cost to local council taxpayers."
"The
Council has already acquired the entire site, through the serving
of a compulsory purchase order, on the basis that the planning
permission had been submitted."
"Initial
clearance work has been undertaken, the first significant clear
up in 16 years. Action would be taken against any additional occupation
on the site."
"The
Council will continue to keep local people informed as the details
of the scheme are developed, including how best to provide and
maintain the open space that is part of the proposals."
|
