Inquiry examines Meriden travellers' site

[dutchman]

A public inquiry has started into a travellers' site set up on greenbelt land which prompted nearby residents to keep a 24-hour vigil.



The residents started their vigil at the site in Meriden almost a year ago after travellers moved on to the land they own.

Last summer, Solihull Council rejected an application by the travellers to develop the land.

The hearing, at a social club in Meriden, is due to last two weeks.

'Inadequate access'

The inquiry will look into an appeal by the travellers against the council's decision and the council's refusal to allow them retrospective planning permission.

The travellers started developing the land on 30 April but stopped when residents - who have since started a group called Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) - began a 24-hour picket.

The travellers applied for 10 permanent pitches on a field in Eaves Green Lane.

But the council said it broke greenbelt regulations and had inadequate traffic access.