Wyre Forest showpeople pitches scheme is under fire
More than 100 people packed out a public meeting in a hotel near a proposed site for travelling showpeople in Wyre Forest to air their fears on the scheme.
Eight residential pitches would be created on a site in a field, off Heath Lane, in Shenstone, near Kidderminster, under proposals.
Neil Jennings, who is making the application, says his family have a long history as travelling showpeople putting on fairground rides and stalls.
They have been based at a site at Long Bank, Bewdley, for more than 30 years, according to planning documents submitted to Wyre Forest District Council. But the land owner wants them to vacate the site.
The horse grazing field is subject to a change of use application allowing for the residential pitches and space for up to 10 HGVs. However those living nearby are objecting to the plans, claiming some people had not been notified by the council about the application.
Residents attended an emotionally-charged public meeting at The Granary Hotel, also in Heath Lane, yesterday to find out more and offer their opinion.
They also proposed to employ consultants from Worcestershire-based RCA Regeneration to collate objections to present to the district council's planning department.
Granary Hotel owner Richard Fletcher, who has run the business for 12 years, said people needed a forum to share their views.
"I feel that this is an inappropriate development for this area," he said. "This is green belt land which should be protected."
Mr Jennings was unavailable for comment.
