GIPSIES camped off the Wyre Piddle bypass look set to re-apply for planning permission in six months time if they get their foul water drainage sorted out.

The upholding of a planning appeal into the gipsy site has been branded a 'hollow victory' by Wychavon District Council. The appeal for a permanent site was dismissed by the Secretary of State last Wednesday, but only on grounds of inadequate drainage.

Wychavon managing director Jack Hegarty said: "This is a weak and poorly constructed decision and is a hollow victory for the local community. The government has severely damaged the integrity of the planning system in the eyes of many rural communities.

"In fact, while I accept the Secretary and the inspector's view is different than ours and the local community regarding the visual impact of the development, this decision is full of contradictions based on assumptions and not evidence. Being critical of the council for not carrying out a gipsy needs assessment is ironic when the government itself has failed to provide any up-to-date guidance."

Vale MP Peter Luff said in a letter to the Secretary of State: "This decision shows no regard at all for the human rights of the settled community. This simple injustice will breed huge resentment among the settled population and substantially undermine the integrity of the whole planning system."

Brian Cox, planning agent for the gipsies, said the group had begun looking into drainage improvements with a view to re-applying for planning permission. He added: "They (the gipsies) are concerned about their health and education and that will be seriously damaged if they went back on the road again.

"You have to look at the practical implications as well. It will cost a lot of taxpayer's money just to move them on to somewhere else."