Gypsies must move on

A FAMILY of gipsies camped near Mayfield has failed in a bid to remain on the site.

An application was made by the gipsies to change the use of a field at Little Oaks, Argos Hill, from agricultural to residential. The proposal was for the stationing of seven caravans and a portable toilet for the extended gipsy family. The application was retrospective as the family had moved on to the site in November.

However, the bid, which had attracted strong opposition from local residents, has been thrown out by Wealden planners.

The field is in an area of open countryside on the west side of the A267. The caravans were occupied by relatives of the applicant, Mr Moore, and there were at least seven children of school age living on the site. The area was part-surrounded by 1.8 metre high fencing, a standing pipe had been erected for water supply and the council believed electricity and telephone connections had been made.

Thirty-two letters of objection were received by Wealden from local residents, while Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council also voiced their opposition.

One resident said the caravans were out of keeping with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adding: 'The area now looks like a building site.' Other residents said there had been an increase in noise and disturbance and that the site was a risk to highway safety as it linked on to a busy bypass.

Another resident claimed the gipsies had made their application after they had moved on to the site in order to increase their chances of gaining planning approval. 'Gipsies are being very well advised by professionals,' he added.

In a letter to Wealden, a spokesman for Mayfield Parish Council said: 'There is widespread and deep concern in the village among residents for a change in use of the land. Any number of caravans on this will represent a degradation of any decent quality habitation for present residents in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

'We understand that there are no places at Mayfield Primary School and Uplands Community School. Siblings of local children already at these schools are not necessarily being offered places.'

In a report to the planning committee, senior planning officer Douglas Moss said: 'The development is regarded as too intrusive within the rural area. This aspect alone presents a compelling reason for refusing the application.'

An appeal against the planning decision must be made within six months.