PEOPLE campaigning against a gypsy site in Shenleybury are angry at Hertsmere Borough Council’s handling of a planning application which was the subject of a planning inquiry which took place last week.

Those opposed to the site feel they have been let down by council officers, who they say should have done more to defend at the inquiry the council’s decision to turn down two retrospective planning applications made by travellers.

Mark Blundell chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley said: “The way the council has dealt with this has been very disappointing. I and other people living nearby are appalled by the council’s actions.”

They fear that if the site is approved because the council was unable to stop it, there will be nothing to prevent other travellers from moving in onto Green Belt land.

Traveller Sarah Price launched a challenge after the council turned down her two retrospective planning applications to stay on Green Belt land she bought in December 2009 near homes in Shenleybury Cottages.

During the two-day planning inquiry, Hertsmere Borough Council was criticised by Alan Masters, representing the gypsy site, for what he said was failure to adhere to Government guidance.

Mr Masters forced senior planner Andrew Smith to concede the council should have given the site temporary permission.

At the inquiry, Mr Blundell outlined a number of complaints from people living near the site including noise from a generator, destruction of wildlife and dogs roaming the streets at all hours.

Planning inspector Claire Sherratt will deliver her verdict within five weeks.