Public debate on fate of a family

A report on whether or not the Delaney family can continue to live in caravans on the land they own at the edge of Saltbox Hill is expected in mid-February.

Bromley Council has repeatedly refused them permission to live on the site near a disused gas holder station as the land is designated Green Belt.

Government Inspector Laura Graham heard Patrick Delaney, 52, explain that he, his wife Hannah, 58, and their family want to remain at the site where they have lived since 1996.

They were supported by witnesses including their children's teachers and members of the Gypsy Council. Only one council officer acted as a witness against their case.

The nine Delaney children are at the Good Shepherd School, Dunley Drive, New Addington, where they have all made close friends.

The headteacher was unavailable for comment but a spokesman said: "The children are a very settled bunch and the headteacher is backing their appeal to be allowed to stay where they are."

The council took enforcement action to move the family on in 1997 and the Delaneys appealed repeatedly.

Mr Delaney said: "This is our home. We get on with all the neighbours and the children are settled. We don't want to move. All we can do now is hope that the decision will go in our favour."

Council witness and development control manager Tim Bloomfield said: "Obviously we hope that the inspector will agree with the council's decision, but I cannot predict which way it will go.

"We just have to wait and see what the report says when it is published."

Biggin Hill ward councillor Geoff Gostt said: "I would like to see the Delaney family win their case as not all travellers want to live on designated sites as the council demands. They should be treated as individuals."

"They keep their site in marvellous condition and have become part of the community.

"But I'm not all that hopeful, as the rules on Green Belt are very strict."

December 19, 2001 11:30