Meriden R.A.I.D - Residents Against Inappropriate Development

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If you are defending your area against inappropriate development - including housing developments - email us and we will see if we can help. We have access to a range of experts

The Secretary of State has DISMISSED the appeal by the travellers for both permanent AND temporary occupation of the site. Meriden RAID Chairman David McGrath said 'We are relieved that Solihull Council, The Government Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State all agree with us that this unlawful site is totally inappropriate and causing daily harm to our Green Belt. Our protest camp will stay until we see clear action from the Council and Courts to enforce the decision. The focus should now be on how we urgently ease people from an unlawful and unsustainable site to one where their needs can be met AND to re-instate the land. We are determined that this episode will not taint the good relations between the settled community and the wider travelling population which has played a valued part in our community life for generations

• A gypsy dance around the law
• Meriden campaigner and RAF veteran was 'absolute trooper'
• Top cop drops in on Meriden protesters
• Meriden protesters 'changing traveller planning policy'
• Jewson apology over delivery to camp
• meriden residents label gypsy site plan as shambolic at planning inquiry

‘It can never be right that dramatic developments can happen in an established community without any prior consultation with residents or without prior planning permission or regard to the environment. Councils need stronger powers to deal with unauthorised developments. We will fight for as long as it takes to protect and promote the wellbeing of our residents and our local environment. The time has come too for Government to act to secure the green belt for the sake of current and future generations and we will play our part in bringing change, fairness and equality in Planning'