A TRAVELLERS’ site set up on green belt land is to be allowed to stay for at least three more years, despite repeated bids to shut it down.

Four appeals made to keep it open had been thrown out but now, after the matter was taken to a planning inquiry, the family have won the right to stay.

Inspector Karen Ridge said that there was ‘insufficient provision’ for travelling families locally and that had to be taken into account.

But she said permission to stay was just for three years and the Jones family, which has been at the green belt site between Oswaldtwistle and Blackburn since 2007, must then leave.

Six caravans were put in place along with two large utility blocks and a car park in fields off Sough Lane, Guide, without planning permission.

The operators of the site, off Haslingden Old Road did apply for planning permission after building much of the site but it was refused.

Four separate appeals had been rejected by an independent planning inspector and Hyndburn Council ordered the field to be returned to its original state but William Jones and his family have now won a reprieve.

Neighbours had collected more than 150 signatures on a protest petition and Hyndburn Council called the camp 'clearly inappropriate'.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle, said the green belt must be protected.

He added: “It is very important that we maintain the integrity of our towns by preserving the green belt.”

He said: “There is a need for additional traveller sites in East Lancashire but Hyndburn Council has a good record in approving sites for travellers in the urban area.

“Alternatives were not explored by the applicant before this green belt site was acquired and developed.

“The development of the appeal site would damage the openness of the green belt and cause serious harm to the rural landscape.”

Nobody at the site was available to comment .