Human rights ruling could see rejected travellers' sites bids revived
Concerns have been raised that a court ruling could see previously rejected applications for travellers' sites return to South Staffordshire.
A judge said human rights were being breached by the Government taking too long to make a decision on sites that would normally be dealt with by planning inspectors.
A council chief in South Staffordshire said there was a chance that people whose plans had been rejected could try again in the light of the court case – but he insisted the district council had met all deadlines.
It comes as council bosses draw up plans for 29 sites containing 166 pitches across the district.
More than 1,500 people have signed a petition – with Essington parish council chairman David Clifft claiming the village is becoming a 'dumping ground' after being earmarked for three pitches.
This week's court ruling dealt with applications that have been called in by the Government.
But there are now concerns that plans that have been rejected by the councillor or inspectors in recent years could return if it is felt bosses took too long to make a decision.
Councillor Clifft, who sits on the district council's planning committee, said: "There is always the danger – but I am sure the council has met all the time limits and there has never been a case of non-determination where someone has complained. We are always keen to make sure that applications are dealt with within the deadline, as it can cause problems if they are not."
