Decision due on Gypsy site near Warwick

Government-appointed inspector Antony Fussey reopened the inquiry at Leamington town hall on Monday, after it had been adjourned for four months due to the high number of witness statements provided.

The Gypsies moved on to the land off Kites Nest Lane near Beausale during a bank holiday in May last year. A retrospective planning application they submitted was later rejected by Warwick District Council and the 13 families were also subjected to a High Court order banning them from carrying out further developments at the site.

Their right to remain has been fiercely opposed by specially-formed residents’ group Friends of the Greenbelt (Frog).

Mr Fussey will submit a report to the Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric Pickles, during the next few weeks and Mr Pickles will then make a decision on the matter.