4:42pm Saturday 1st September 2007
By Emma Tilley
A GYPSY caravan site in Somerford Keynes is set to go ahead despite concerns from the Environment Agency it carries a high risk of flooding.
Members of Cotswold District Council's planning committee said they were happy to give officers power to approve the application - if the Environment Agency raised no complaints.
However, the application was accommpanied by a report from the Environment Agency saying there were concerns the site carries a high risk of flooding.
Cllr Julie Girling (Campden-Vale, Cons) said: "Given recent events it worries me that we have a statement from the EA about the flooding impact and we are disregarding it.
"I feel very uncomfortable with it. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the floods and I think as an authority we should have a firm policy."
The retrospective application was for the permanent siting of gypsy caravans and a further 11 hardstanding pitches.
A previous application had been made in October 2006 but was refused because of the impact it would have on the rural surroundings in the water park.
However local planning authorities now have to consider government policy for gypsy traveller caravan sites that states "members of the gypsy and traveller communities should have the same rights and responsibilities as every other citizen".
Cllr Margaret Rickman (Cirencester, Lib Dem) said: "I really feel we are trying to find reason to not have this. I would like to see this permitted today and an end to all this arguing."
The decision will now be made by planning officers under delegated powers once the Environment Agency has assessed the full risk of flooding.
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