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The decades-long 'failings' of Runnymede Borough Council to provide the legal minimum number of Gypsy and Traveller pitches has forced families to take matters in their own hands

and cost valuable green belt land, a planning meeting has heard. Last week, the borough council’s planning committee approved 12 new pitches in Hardwick Lane, in Chertsey, despite the

feeling the site would be overcrowded, and the roads unsafe. It did so because it can not demonstrate enough land for Gypsy and Traveller pitches has been set aside, meaning inspectors will

throw out any council objections and side with developers. The meeting heard the council’s shortcomings has forced people “to buy land for families to occupy”. Councillor Don Whyte (Liberal

Democrats: Longcross, Lyne and Chertsey South), addressed the Wednesday, May 28, meeting and highlighted a recent appeal decision against the council. It found the council was unable to

provide a five year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller sites within the borough and that there was “clearly an unmet need.” He said: “Our failure is being highlighted. This is not a

new phenomenon; it's been going on for decades. "The borough’s lack of provision has meant that site after site has been approved by planning inspectors after appeal after being

rejected by this committee. The consequence of this we see tonight, with 12 pitches being squashed onto a very small area.” He added: “The historical lack of provision for Gypsy and

Travellers has forced this community to take matters into their own hands, buy land for families to occupy, certain that when when Runnymede Borough Council refused planning permission they

will succeed on appeal. "Consequently Runnymede Borough Council by not planning and providing for all parts of our community have let the shaping of the borough and the provision of

sustainable sites to chance.” The 12 pitch retrospective plan was approved despite concerns from Surrey Highways that found the site unsustainable, the meeting heard, and that there were no

pavements on the busy 40 mph Hardwick Lane. Cllr Whyte added: “Runnymede Borough Council has historically failed to make adequate provision for all residents and as a consequence has lost

control of the greenbelt. This is a long-standing problem that Runnymede Borough Council has failed on. The homes were approved by nine votes in favour, to three against with one abstention.