A TRAVELLER’S hugely controversial bid to overturn a council ban on a former workshop being used as a caravan site has been refused.

The ruling by a government inspector for the site in Lower Darwen has been hailed as a ‘major victory’ for the community.

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Hundreds of concerned residents had protested against the plans to put four caravans plus a shower and toilet block on the vacant former Lawnmower Specialists site in Sandy Lane.

The council’s planning committee received more than 2,000 objections as well as a 1,250 signature petition opposing the scheme.

Now John Loveridge’s appeal against Blackburn with Darwen Council’s decision, to block him has also been rejected by a government inspector.

The businessman has been given just six months to clear the site in Sandy Lane.

Fernhurst councillor John Slater, who led the fight on behalf of the residents, said: “I am delighted that the inspector has dismissed the appeal.

“It is a victory for common sense, the council and Lower Darwen residents who will be absolutely delighted at this decision.

“I expect him to be off the site within three months as he has already started moving the caravans.”

In December 2014, Mr Loveridge withdrew his original proposal, and resubmitted it in January last year after moving his vehicles onto the 0.3 acre site.

The application was refused in March 2015 by council officers and they then issued an enforcement notice ordering the caravans to be removed within three months.

This was put on hold pending the result of the appeal.

Government inspector Ahsan Ghafoor held a full hearing at Blackburn Town Hall attended by Mr Loveridge and his agent Mike Carr before a site visit.

The businessman wanted three touring caravans, a static caravan and an amenity building for his family, while keeping the existing commercial use of the former lawnmower workshop for his business activities, which the council ruled required a change to ‘mixed use’.

Mr Carr argued for a ‘personalised’ permission for the caravans, stating Mr Loveridge’s ‘personal circumstances and his ‘Traveller’ status are significant material considerations.’ Dismissing the appeal, Mr Ghafoor concluded the siting of the caravans would ‘have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of future occupiers’ and would ‘potentially increase the road safety risk of pedestrian and vehicle conflict’.

He also ruled that dismissing the appeal would not constitute an unwarranted interference with Mr Loveridge and his family’s human rights in view of the environment, health, safety and amenity factors behind the refusal of the original application.

Mr Ghafoor did extend the period to remove the caravans and dismantle the lighting columns and other additions to the site from three to six months to reduce distress to his four grandchildren who had been living there.

Cllr Slater said: “It is a comprehensive ruling which covers all the procedures and issues and leaves Mr Loveridge with nowhere else to go.”

Borough planning chairman Dave Smith Smith said: “It is an excellent result for the borough’s planning department.

“The inspector has made a careful and considered decision after looking at all the relevant issues.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “This is brilliant news.

“The residents have been listened to.”

Council officials will now monitor the site to make sure Mr Loveridge complies with the conditions of the enforcement notice.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Loveridge yesterday, Mr Carr, said: “Mr Loveridge has no comment to make at this moment.”