‘No suitable alternative’ to Beausale gypsy site, says expert

Matthew Green, partner of Green Planning Solutions, was called as a professional witness to give evidence at an inquiry looking into the Gypsies’ right to remain at the site off Kites Nest Lane, where they moved in May last year without planning permission.

Speaking on the fourth day of the inquiry at Leamington town hall last Friday, he said: “Nobody has put forward suitable alternative sites. The people still do not have lawful alternatives.

“It would be like saying to a homeless man, you cannot sleep in this doorway but the man down the road does not mind you sleeping in his. The man is still homeless until a lawful solution is found.”

Government-appointed inspector Antony Fussey has been commissioned by the council to oversee the inquiry which, due to the large number of witness statements still to come, has been adjourned to May 9.

A decision will be announced at a later date.

Read this week’s Courier for the full report