TRAVELLERS living on a piece of Green Belt land in Shenleybury are appealing a refusal by Hertsmere Borough Council for retrospective planning permission.

An application to house a static caravan, portable toilet, parking for one touring caravan and two vehicles was twice denied in June and November 2010.

Councillors argued the harm the development would cause to the openness of the Green Belt in Shenleybury Cottages was unacceptable.

However, landowner Sarah Price has submitted papers which say that permission was unreasonably refused having regard to all relevant matters and that the harm to the land would be slight.

An inquiry is to be held by a Government planning inspector, at a date yet to be determined.

The site, which adjoins homes in Shenleybury Cottages, has been the subject of much controversy, especially since an attempt to install a 35ft-static home was blocked by residents in a heated stand-off in March 2011.

For full details of the appeal, see www.hertsmere.gov.uk under application TP/10/1826.

If you would like to comment on the appeal, write directly to the Planning Inspectorate, 3/19 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN quoting reference: APP/N1920/A/11/2151457.