THE EXTENDED family of an elderly traveller is to be allowed to live in a caravan on land she owns after they appealed against a planning refusal decision.

The land, south of Upper Maerdy Farm, Llangeview in Usk will now become a permanent home for Star Lea's family - but it will be subject to strict conditions.

Monmouthshire County Council had originally refused plans for four mobile homes, four touring caravans, four utility dayroom blocks and the retention of an existing railway carriage.

A planning inquiry into the situation was held over four days in June, September and October. However, the ambitious plans were downsized on each occasion and these amendments satisfied planning inspector Hywel Wyn Jones.

He said: "During the course of the appeal the scheme was subject to significant revision, which led to a comprehensive re-consultation exercise.

"I have determined the appeal on the basis of the amended scheme satisfied that this would cause no injustice to any party."

The inspector agreed that two caravans could be used for residential purposes and portable toilet facilities could be used as an amenity block. A number of hard standings have also be allowed.

Mrs Lea, the land owner, told the inquiry in September that she had waited three years to turn Llangeview into a traveller's site and explained that she currently lives in a house in Pontypool but she misses the life of a being a traveller.

The inspector noted in his report that following the death of her husband their caravan had been burnt in accordance with gypsy custom and she had moved into her present home, a terraced house in Upper Race where she has resided for the past nine years or so.

He added: "She has described feeling imprisoned within her bricks and mortar home and has a yearning to return to live in a caravan. She also describes feelings of isolation because of her separation from her closest family members. It is her wish that she be cared for in her old age by her family, in line with the gypsy tradition. Her GP opines that such a move would have a positive effect on her general health and well being."

Mr Wyn Jones said he had considered the concerns that had been raised from nearby residents, but he was decided these could be addressed by imposing a number of strict conditions to control the development. He also acknowledge that Mrs Lea had lived on the same road in Llangeview during her formative years, before she moved onto an authorised caravan site at Upper Race.

The inspector stipulated that the only people who will be allowed to occupy the site will be Mrs Lea herself and family members of Reuben Lea, Emily Lea and her grandson John Johnson and their resident dependants.

Mrs Lea told the inquest that her extended family members were also part of the travelling community and did not have a permanent base.

She said that they are frequently moved on by councils or the police and as a consequence that neither of the young girls have been to school on a regular basis with one of them having only ever receiving a few days schooling.

Mr Wyn Jones added: "The site will be a benefit the well being of all the family by providing an opportunity for children to attend school on a regular basis as a component of site sustainability."