Public meeting to oppose gipsy site decision (From Wiltshire Times)

Public meeting to oppose gipsy site decision

8:00am Thursday 28th August 2008 in Melksham By Katie Adams

A PARISH council will be holding a public meeting next month in response to a decision to let a family of gypsies stay on land in Semington.

Earlier this month an illegal gipsy site between the A350/A361 roundabout and West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington was granted retrospective planning permission for a period of three years subject to conditions.

Patrick Ward, 57, and his family were granted planning permission despite setting up camp without permission on land they had bought.

Many villagers and the parish council were outraged at West Wiltshire District Council's decision and organised a meeting to decide what can be done.

Semington Parish Council chairman Robert Oglesby said an initial meeting was held last Wednesday to discuss the situation, which around 80 Semington residents attended.

He said two members of Mt Ward's family also attended the meeting, which took place in the village hall.

"We met to discuss our options and these are either a judicial review, misadministration or to get in an ombudsmen," he said.

"I think the main point is that the council granting this permission could set a precedent for other retrospective applications in future.

"We understand that this family need somewhere to live and we would support that.

"However, we are against the grounds that this permission was granted and think it could pave the way for similar decisions in future."

A second meeting has not yet been confirmed, but Mr Oglesby said he thought it would be around September 20.

This will give the parish council time to request the planning file relating to the decision through the Freedom of Information Act.