Council gears up for legal fight
News article
Statement of Accounts
Councillors have agreed extra funding to fight a planning appeal launched by travellers currently occupying land at Fairfield Road, Hardhorn.
The travellers moved onto the land in November 2009 and their subsequent planning application for 30 caravans was refused by Fylde Council in June.
An Enforcement Notice was subsequently served to get the travellers to leave the site by the end of this December.
Councillor Trevor Fiddler, Fylde Council Cabinet member for Planning, said: “We considered their application very thoroughly. The travellers have now appealed against the refusal of planning permission and also against the Enforcement Notice and those appeals will go to an inquiry.
“We consider it imperative that we put the best possible case to the inquiry.
“This will involve instructing and co-ordinating counsel, planning officers and expert witnesses.
“We are intending using the same legal advisors that local residents have been using – meaning they are already familiar with most aspects of the case.
“We owe it to residents to present the council’s case as thoroughly as possible – co-ordinating efforts in this way will help to make the most of the extra funding we have allocated to the case.”
The planning hearing, led by a planning inspector, is scheduled to take place in February and is expected to last for five days.
Councillor Fiddler added: “Cases involving traveller sites are often known for their complexity. The legal issues may involve highways and ecological matters, planning law and even human rights legislation.
“Putting the money aside in advance will allow us to put the best possible case.”
Ends
Notes to editors: For more information about this press release, please call Neil Graham, communications and consultations officer, on 01253 658499.
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