A FAMILY has been given the go-ahead to more than double the size of a traveller site between Davenham and Bostock.

Oakland Park, in London Road, already has two pitches housing a total of four caravans after original plans were approved following an appeal in March 2013.

The Charlotte family applied to vary the planning conditions imposed by the inspector and add four more pitches, each with a toilet block, to house an extra four caravans.

The proposal for the site, next to Peckmill Roundabout, was discussed by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee on October 7.

Cllr Arthur Wood, from Davenham Parish Council along with Cllr Elton Watson, CWAC councillor for Davenham and Moulton and vice chairman of Bostock Parish Council, spoke against the plans.

Cllr Watson said: “Part of the basis for the inspector allowing the appeal was that the site would be modest in size.

“This would more than double the amount of pitches, amenity blocks and caravans on the site, along with vehicles, all of which will make the site cluttered and more conspicuous, especially in winter when the hedge is without its leaves.

“I totally believe that had the appeal been for six pitches the appeal would have been dismissed.”

Cllr Wood said: “Davenham Parish Council has put a lot of work into improving and protecting the village and is currently in the advanced stage of preparing a neighbourhood plan.

“While not geographically located in Davenham, this site is prominent at the southern gateway to the village which is a very important visual element.”

Planning officers told the committee that the principle of development existed for the site because of the inspector’s judgement in 2013.

They added that the council has a responsibility to provide pitches and is currently 15 pitches below its five-year target.

Jill Houlbrook, from the planning committee, said: “Yes the site has some traveller caravans on it but when you approach it it doesn’t hit you in the face, it doesn’t impose itself within the area.

“We are where we are and we can’t go back and disregard the judgement the inspector made.

“Given we need more more traveller sites, pitches and homes for the gipsy and traveller community I’m going to move approval.”

Councillors voted eight to three in favour of granting permission.