Confusion over Falkirk gypsy traveller site land ownership causes delay

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A long-running planning application to create a permanent pitch for a gypsy/traveller site near Falkirk has been delayed again after confusion over ownership of the land.

At a meeting of Falkirk Council 's planning committee on Wednesday, members had hoped to determine a retrospective application for a change of use to vacant land to form private permanent gypsy/traveller pitch for one static caravan and one tourer, as well as hardstanding, car parking and a shed at Wesleymount, Church Road, California, Falkirk.

However, an objector's comment that the applicant does not own the land means that planning officers will now investigate the situation to make sure any decision cannot be challenged. Read more: Falkirk Town Hall could close after panto season as plan to save it could cost millions Planning officers have recommended granting permission for the site in California as there are "no sound reasons for refusal".According to planning documents, the application seeks permanent planning permission, "to allow a safe and secure home for the applicant and his family".

It also seeks to regularise engineering operations which were carried out to create a level pitch for the principal caravan and the erection of a shed.A solicitor for the applicant was unable to attend the meeting but messaged the council to say that all of the legal reasons had been covered in the planning documents.The complex planning history for the site includes a previous planning application, made in 2018, that has not yet been determined due to a court case over rights of access to the land.Prior to that the Scottish Government reporter had overruled councillors to grant temporary planning permission for a similar application.