A BENTHAM gypsy family has been given permission after 12 years to live permanently at a site near Waterside Potteries.

Craven councillors were told refusal would result in the nine members of the Dugdale family being made homeless and made the responsibility of the council's housing department.

A gypsy and traveller assessment three years ago had also identified a need for a site for a gypsy family in North Craven, Craven District Council's planning committee heard.

Principal planning officer, Mark Moore, said although the development – of one static caravan, on a raised plinth, and a touring caravan – sited next to Clay Barn is in open countryside and outside the development limits, there were no real reasons to refuse permission.

The site, off Bentham Moor Road, was close to the residential area of Waterside Potteries, but did not detract from it, he said.

"The implications of refusal would be to make Mr Dugdale and his family homeless and it would be up to the council to rehouse them," he added.

But residents of Waterside Potteries, Bentham Town Council, Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council and Bentham ward councillor Ian Thompson voiced their objections, pointing out permission had only ever been temporary.

In a written statement, Cllr Thompson said: "Throughout the 12 years this site has been used as a gypsy site, it has always been recognised to be unsuitable during consideration of each retrospective planning application.

"The fundamental limitations of the site have not changed, but the needs of the family have steadily increased as the family has grown from five to nine members."

Colin Briscoe, for Waterside residents, further called on the committee to reject the application, as it had always done in the past.

But William Lloyd, for Robert Dugdale and his family, said although there had never been any complaints made about the family and their home, there appeared to be a "general distaste" with issues raised about drainage and possible expansion.

He said they would be happy to comply with any condition governing the size of the site and, like many families, were happy to see their children flee the nest as soon as possible.

Cllr Linda Brockbank (Cons), who moved refusal, said it was development in the open countryside, would set a precedent and urged the committee to take note of the objection raised by North Yorkshire highways.

But Cllr Alan Sutcliffe (Cons) said he could see no problem with the application and disagreed with the comments of the highways authority.

"It is undeniably in open countryside, but I think if this went to appeal, I think we would be in a weak position because we have condoned it for 12 years," he added.