Gypsy site in Hurst considered at appeal

The government’s planning inspectorate has heard evidence at a planning appeal for a gypsy site in Islandstone Lane.

The appeal hearing was held at the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) offices on Thursday and Friday and included a visit to the green field site in Hurst.

Henry Giles lodged an appeal after his second bid to turn land in Islandstone Lane into a site for caravans for one family was refused.

The proposal includes a stable and day room and hard standing.

Around 40 residents affected by the application attended the hearing on Thursday.

They have argued the single carriage road leading to the site regularly floods during winter months.

A witness for the applicant disputed their evidence.

The planning inspector has three months to write her report and send a decision to WBC.

"We have done our best and the rest is in the lap of the gods," said Cllr Annette Drake (Con, Hurst), who attended the hearing on Thursday and hailed the large turnout of villagers.

"It is always a bit of a lottery this sort of thing. Flooding is the main plank of resident’s objections. The road floods so badly the road is impassable."