Local MP Caroline Spelman has welcomed a decision by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government to refuse an appeal by the travellers at the Eaves Green Lane site in Meriden.
Caroline commented, “Residents have been waiting a long time for the resolution of the legal battles around unauthorised development in the Green Belt in Meriden. The Planning Inspector took the view that the site reduces the openness of the countryside, presents a road safety hazard and compounds flood risk at this location. The most important factor in the decision is the provision of additional authorised traveller sites by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council so that there are spare places for gypsies and travellers to reside in the Borough. I commend SMBC for this”.