Travellers lose out in attempt to extend Wigan site

Borough planners had rejected proposals to allow additional land to be incorporated into the travellers site in Enfield Street, Pemberton.

One static caravan, two touring carvans, a shed and car parking were part of plans drafted by Roman Gaskin.

Mr Gaskin had even pledged to move one of the static caravans, to overcome Environment Agency concerns about the structure being placed over a culvert there.

But planning inspector Sarah Colbourne has ruled the land in question is well used as an access route for cars and pedestrians “for a long time”, as well as being a bin store.

And she felt a proposed 3.3 metre high static caravan would be higher than a tourer and could be clearly seen from the street, when the gates were open, and visible from the first floor windows of homes on Enfield Street and nearby Millbeck Farm.

Planning permission was first obtained for the travellers site in 2015.

Travellers had argued extra room was needed for those currently living at the Pemberton site.

But the planning inspector worried enough amenity space would not remain for residents.

Sarah Colbourne added: “As the proposed static would be on the site permanently it is likely the number of vehicles on the site would increase.

“This would cause additional harm in terms of noise and disturbance to neighbouring residents given the proximity of the site to their rear gardens.”