Irish Traveller family wins caravan appeal in Essington

An Irish Traveller family has won an appeal against a council to stay in caravans on green belt land near Wolverhampton.

The family was refused permission by South Staffordshire Council to change the use of the land at Hobnock Road in Essington to a residential caravan site as the change of use represented "inappropriate development".

But a planning inspector has overturned the decision, agreeing that it can be used for two traveller families.

Although the proposal "would also result in harm to openness" of the green belt, the harm would be outweighed by other considerations, she ruled.

The council had claimed the change of use "would cause demonstrable harm to the openness and permanence of the green belt."

But planning Inspector Helen Hockenhull ruled in favour of the family following a visit to the site.

Consent has now been granted for the land to be used as a residential caravan site for two traveller families, each with two caravans including no more than one static caravan/mobile home, together with laying of additional hard-standing.

Ms Hockenhull said there were no public sites in South Staffordshire district and all existing private sites were full.

Before the family began staying on the site in April 2023, they had been staying on sites in Wolverhampton.

"Based on the lack of any identified available, alternative accommodation, there is at least a possibility that the family would have to resort to life on the road in the event that they were unable to stay on the appeal site," she said.

She added: "Whilst I acknowledge the council has taken a positive approach to allowing new sites in the green belt, it is clear from the evidence before me that there has been a continuing shortfall of pitches over recent years. This shortfall is significant."

Ms Hockenhull said she understood the council was in a "difficult position", but "the failure of the development plan process to meet the needs of Gypsies and travellers is a material consideration."