AN independent inspector will decide whether gipsies can have a permanent settlement near Knutsford.

Officials last week confirmed that a public inquiry into the plans for Spink Lane, Pickmere, would be held on October 20.

“It’s likely to last up to two days, or potentially more,” said a spokesman for Cheshire East Council.

Last year, three families of gipsies set up camp in the field on the edge of Pickmere.

The caravans were parked off Spink Lane and the travellers planned to make it their permanent home.

The families wanted to change the use of the land so they could park three mobile homes and three touring caravans on the site.

They argued that the planning application should be accepted because of the need for more permanent gipsy sites.

But in March this year, Macclesfield Borough Council – the former planning authority – rejected the proposals.

Officials said the plans would spoil the countryside and cause highways problems.

Macclesfield council then asked the travellers to remove their caravans.

However, the gipsies have since appealed against the notice and the planning decision.

In May, the Secretary of State decided that an independent inspector should hold a public inquiry into the matter.

“The appellant’s grounds of appeal are that planning permission should be granted for what is alleged due to special circumstances,” said John Knight, head of planning and policy in a letter to the Guardian.

Last week, Cheshire East – the new planning authority – revealed the hearing had now been scheduled to take place at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The council plans to argue that the proposals would be an inappropriate development in the green belt.

Cheshire East said people affected by the travellers’ site would receive letters about the inquiry.

“All parties involved will be notified within the next two weeks,” said the spokesman.

In October, villagers organised a meeting in the Red Lion pub after word of the travellers’ arrival spread.

Residents, Knutsford police’s Insp Kate Woods and county, borough and parish councillors attended the gathering.

The villagers were concerned about harm to the countryside, pollution, increased traffic, devaluation of houses and several other issues.

In March, many of them attended the planning meeting in Macclesfield.