Council given permission to remove gypsies and travellers from Billingshurst site

The council said it obtained an injunction today (May 20) after a planning control order was breached at Kingfisher Farm in West Chiltington Lane.

In December 2011, permission was granted by a government inspector for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 11 gypsy pitches together with additional hard standing and utility/dayrooms.

A spokesman for the council said evidence had been obtained to show that a ‘significant’ number of additional caravans were present on the site, and that the adjoining field was also being used.

“As a result, it was considered reasonable and proportionate for the council to seek an injunction to prevent further caravans from going onto the site and being used, or other unauthorised development being carried out,” the spokesman added.

Claire Vickers, cabinet member for planning and development, said: “We are upholding planning legislation and processes for this area.

“We fully recognise the concerns of the local community and the need to make provision for the Gypsy and Traveller community but these breaches of planning control are not tolerable and we are taking appropriate action to put these matters right.”

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