Green belt land may be travellers' camp

Green belt land in South Staffordshire could be made into a new travellers site, it emerged today.

Four caravans have moved on to the privately-owned land, in Malthouse Lane, Calf Heath, near Shareshill.

After a visit by South Staffordshire Council officers, it emerged that a planning application may be submitted to make the site permanent. It is believed land has been earmarked for nine caravans. Council spokesman Jamie Angus said: "Four caravans moved on to the site at the weekend.

"Officers from the council visited the site and we are expecting a retrospective planning application to be submitted shortly."

Plans are likely to go before the council's regulatory committee for a final decision. It comes weeks after it emerged the owner of land in New Road, Featherstone, submitted an application for eight caravans.

The land is adjacent to a site specifically for travellers, called the Oak Tree caravan site, which has been open for more than 20 years.

Supporters say it has stopped illegal parking of caravans elsewhere.

A recent council report revealed the number of gipsy and travellers pitches in the district may more than double in the next three years. A public consultation has been launched into plans for up to 50 extra pitches in the district.

There are currently 19 pitches in areas including Essington, Featherstone, Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay. A review has now been launched at the request of the Government which shows South Stafforshire needs 32 extra permanent pitches by 2012.

The district also needs to create five "transit" pitches for travellers who want short-term stops, as well as 13 travelling showpeople's plots.

A council report into the plans states that "very special" consideration would have to be given to any plans which earmark green belt land to accommodate caravans.