Travellers without a permanent home for 13 years, living on green belt land in Leatherhead, had their latest proposals for a permanent site approved.

Mole Valley District Councillors granted temporary planning permission for four permanent pitches, with day rooms and stables at the travellers’ site in River Lane at a meeting of the Development Control Committee this week.

A permanent site was rejected on Thursday, December 8.

But ten councillors voted in favour of a second application, allowing a three-and-a-half-year window for an improved plan for a permanent site to be drawn up in line with the development of Mole Valley's Local Plan in 2018.

The latest applications had received more than 30 letters from residents objecting to the proposal, citing concerns about the green belt and the legality of the settlement.

The four families have been trying to secure permission for a permanent travellers’ site in River Lane, Leatherhead, since buying the land in 2003.

From November 2010: Gypsies and travellers site in Leatherhead could become permanent

From April 2014: Decade-long saga continues as gypsy families refused planning permission again in Leatherhead

The families have since submitted four applications and attended six development control meetings and three public inquiries to remain on the site, but have been refused permission on each occasion.

From May: Friends and supporters of River Lane traveller families are hoping for a “miracle” to end 13 year battle

In his report presented to the committee on Wednesday, December 7, council officer Mr Aidan Gardner concluded: “The proposals represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt and causes harm to openness.

“There is also considered to be significant harm to the character and appearance of the area. Such harm has been identified by all the appeal inspectors, including as recently as 2013.

“Set against this is the need for more pitches across the District, the specific needs and individual circumstances of the Traveller families involved.

“Consideration of the Travellers’ Human Rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights also needs to be given.”

The council had received more than 30 letters of objection to the latest application.

Clara Cuffe from River Lane, Leatherhead wrote: “I am astonished that this has been allowed to go ahead once again.

“This land is green belt and allowing this application to go ahead would set a massive precedent around the country for other such sites and would case the decline of the English countryside.”

Tim Waller Vice Chairman, Fetcham Residents Association, wrote: “The Fetcham Residents Association remains concerned about the regrettable precedent that would be set for the acquisition and use of Green Belt land, were either of these applications to be granted.”

In a report from November 2013, council officers identified a need for an additional 44 traveller site pitches in Mole Valley by 2027.

Got a story? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk