A New Age Traveller family who applied to make their stay in a Norfolk village permanent has faced objections.
Nicola Stickells and her children have been living on a plot of land at Needham, near Harleston, since 2014 having been granted permission to live there on a temporary basis.
She had an application permitting them to stay there for four years in 2018 approved by South Norfolk Council (SNC).
But last month, the convicted climate activist applied to live there permanently.
In planning papers, Needham Parish Council say that it is "concerned" that the family have been living on the patch of land for two years longer than they were allowed to.
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In its formal objection, it criticised South Norfolk Council for being "lax" and it argues the district council should have issued an enforcement notice urging the family to leave the plot of land and not stay at the site for two years longer than allowed.
The parish council calls the fact no enforcement action was taken as "unacceptable".
In addition, the parish council doubts the legitimacy that the people living at the site actually qualify as a "gypsy" or "traveller" and that they "want to see proof".
It continues to state that the site is "not acceptable" for the drainage of human waste and the parish council want this situation resolved.
One person in the area did comment in support of Ms Stickells's application, who said "positive contribution to local life and are friendly and welcoming".
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However, four others pledged their objection to the plans with one calling it a "mockery of planning regulations".
Another says that the plot of land is in "open countryside" so doesn't "make a positive contribution" to the "character and distinctiveness" of the village.
While another objector cites that the plans would have a "detrimental effect" on the environment.
To view or comment on the application search reference 2024/1053 in South Norfolk's planning portal.
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