Planning refused for temporary gypsy site in Beacons
- Published
A family of Romany gypsies might have to leave a temporary site in the Brecon Beacons after a planning application to extend their stay was refused.
The national park authority turned down the application by Powys council to allow the family to live at Cefn Cantref, near Brecon, until April 2012.
The family moved to the site in 2008 while the council worked on plans for a permanent camp at nearby Llanfilo.
But Powys councillors voted on two occasions to reject plans for Llanfilo.
The council might now have to find an alternative temporary location for the family.
In 2008, the park authority accused the council of a "flagrant disregard of planning policy" when it moved the family to Cefn Cantref without planning consent.
An agreement was finally reached to allow them to stay for two years, but the park has refused a two-year extension to the deal.
'Further action'
A spokeswoman for Brecon Beacons National park Authority said: "Members supported the officer's proposal to refuse permission for a two-year extension to temporary consent for a gypsy traveller site at Cefn Cantref, near Brecon.
"The original permission for the temporary site in the open countryside of the national park was granted on the understanding that Powys County Council would find a permanent site and relocate the family before the temporary permission expired.
"With no likelihood that Powys County Council can offer an alternative gypsy site in south Powys, members of the national park authority took careful consideration and accepted the officer's recommendation to turn down the request to extend temporary permission."
Powys council said it was "disappointed" with the decision.
A spokesman added: "Approval would have provided security for a gypsy family who have established long standing local connections in south Powys and would have provided an opportunity for the council to establish a suitable alternative permanent site for this family.
"Once we have formally received the decision it will be reported to the council's board to consider what further action is appropriate."