A FAMILY will be forced to leave their home after a planning inspector ruled against their appeal.
Government planning inspector Alan Lockwood ruled in favour of Hyndburn Council and its decision to turn down a retrospective planning application to put nine caravans, a shower and toilet block on a site off Sough Lane, Belthorn.
The four-acre site was bought by traveller William Jones in September 2007.
He hoped to use the site as a base for his family which include his wife Ruby and their six children, Jamie-Louise, William, Indiana, Othey, Betty and Andrew Samson, his elderly parents and his horses which he uses for work.
The Jones’s now have 18 months to move from the site.
Mr Jones said: "I am disappointed with the decision.
"We have been living here for a few years and now we have to leave.
"I have put my name on the list for a site at Whinney Hill but there are over 20 people waiting. I will be looking for a new place to live but the council will also have to help find a site for my family and my horses."
Belthorn residents campaigned against the application as they felt it would be visually intrusive and would deteriorate from the character of the rural community.
Councillor Doug Hayes attended the inquiry, which was held in June, and said he was thrilled with the inspector’s decision.
He said: "Congratulations to the residents in and around Sough Lane and Haslingden Road for their persistent objections to this site. Their presence at the appeal hearing, I am sure, made an impact on the inspector.
"Now we have the job of getting the travellers moved from the site and restoring it to its original splendour.
I have no sympathy, as they disregarded enforcement notices and refused to discuss it.
"They now have 18 months to find another site and restore the site back to original. I am sure this could be a test case for other parts of the borough."
