New setback over Norfolk Gipsy plans

Plans for two new gipsy and traveller sites in south Norfolk received a fresh setback yesterday after they were put on hold for a further six weeks.

Plans for two new gipsy and traveller sites in south Norfolk received a fresh setback yesterday after they were put on hold for a further six weeks.

South Norfolk Council's proposals for permanent pitches in Wymondham and Earsham were put on ice earlier this month following the concerns of an independent planning inspector.

Fears have been raised about the suitability and deliverability of the district council's gipsy and traveller development plan document (DPD) for sites at Stanfield Road, Wymondham, and Old Harleston Road, Earsham.

The local authority yesterday confirmed that it had extended the suspension of its proposals from three weeks to an extra six weeks as it considers its next step forward.

Officials revealed that they were waiting for the outcome of the general election before making a decision on whether to withdraw its plans for the two eight-pitch sites.

Planning inspector Simon Emerson has asked the council to seek advice from the Health and Safety Executive over its plans near the Goff Petroleum fuel storage depot at Stanfield Road. The council's other proposed site is between a pig farm and scaffolding company at Earsham.

Andrew Gregory, director of planning, housing and the built environment, has asked the Planning Inspectorate to suspend the DPD examination until May 24 to allow more time to consider the inspectors concerns.

In a letter to the inspector, Mr Gregory said the withdrawal of the plans would pose financial implications for the council.