Huthwaite: Fury as Government inspectors overturn council's decision to refuse plans for travellers site

A planning decision to refuse a gypsy and traveller site for up to nine static caravans in Huthwaite has been controversially overturned Government-appointed planning inspectors.
By John Smith
Published 15th Nov 2023, 12:00 BST
Updated 15th Nov 2023, 12:00 BST
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The site was adjacent to the Woodend Inn on Chesterfield Road and the planning application for the caravans was turned down by Ashfield Council’s planning committee, which cited harm to the environment as one of it’s main reasons for refusing the plans.

Local councillors have slammed the subsequent planning inspectors’s ruling to overturn their refusal decision as an ‘attack on democracy’.

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Coun Tom Hollis (Ash Ind), council deputy leader and member for Huthwaite & Brierley, said: “It is utterly disgraceful that this site can be allowed.

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Council leader Jason Zadrozny (right) and deputy leader Tom Hollis next to the proposed Huthwaite travellers site. Photo: SubmittedCouncil leader Jason Zadrozny (right) and deputy leader Tom Hollis next to the proposed Huthwaite travellers site. Photo: Submitted
Council leader Jason Zadrozny (right) and deputy leader Tom Hollis next to the proposed Huthwaite travellers site. Photo: Submitted

"The travellers who made the application have caused nothing but havoc and disruption to our community.

"One of them has been convicted after assaulting a senior council officer, yet a Conservative Government-appointed planning inspector has overturned a decision made by our democratically-elected planning committee.

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"Dozens of residents, like me objected to this application for a variety of reasons.

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"These concerns have been disregarded by a faceless bureaucrat and is an attack on democracy.