A ROMANY gipsy family has won its appeal to make Crockleford Heath its permanent home.

Jo and Will Banks, and their 12-year-old daughter, Esther, have been granted permission for one pitch at the Green Lane site.

The decision by planning inspector David Smith also allows a new access road, fencing, amenity building and storage of a mobile home.

A second proposal of four pitches that would be occupied by Mr Banks’ two brothers, who live on unauthorised farm land elsewhere in Essex, was rejected.

The family has been awarded costs against Tendring Council after it refused the two applications on different grounds.

Mrs Banks said she was delighted with the verdict.

“We are over the moon and a little lost for words at the moment,” she said.

“It’s been a long time coming and we’ve worked really hard for this. I’m grateful to our family and friends and would like to thank Steve Belchem, our planner, and David Whipps, our solicitor.

“Esther now has a permanent home and it will help her at her school.

“I wish I could thank the inspector in person.”

The proposals, which were rejected three times, met with demonstrations from residents and parish councillors at near-by Ardleigh. Flood risks, inadequate sewage, the effect on nearby houses and increased traffic were all cited as reasons of objection.

Tim Barrott, Ardleigh parish chairman, said: “It’s not what the people of Crockleford Heath wanted to hear.

“The family have been awarded costs against Tendring Council and it’s going to be the local people who pay. I hope the council would learn from this.”

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Banks through the appeal process will now be drawn up and a reimbursement agreement will be reached with Tendring Council.