IT WILL be several weeks before a planning inquiry decides whether or not to allow a Romany Gipsy family permission to move permanently onto land near Usk.

The two-day inquiry into Monmouthshire County Council's decision to refuse the plans, heard evidence from Star Lea who wants land near Upper Maerdy Farm, Llangeview to become a permanent base for her and her extended family.

The 71-year-old wants to move six of her family members into two caravans on the site.

Dr Angus Murdoch, representing Mrs Lea, said trying to locate gipsies in Monmouthshire has encountered "absolutely enormous opposition" from locals and this "modest" development would allow his client to live in a way she is accustomed to.

"The misery go-round of inequality is likely to continue in absence of a suitable site being found for them," he added.

The inquiry heard Mrs Lea bought the land three years ago, having been brought up in horse drawn wagons travelling around for work.

Now based in Upper Race, Pontypool, she said she wants to spend the rest of her days at the site, as it is traditional for younger members of the gipsy community to look after their elders, and so the children could go to school.

But Robert Duff, representing residents, said: "We are here to protect the public interest. We are here to understand the impacts on residents and visual amenity as residents walk past the site, they walk past the lane. Anyone who suggests it might not affect their residential amenity, that is a ridiculous position to take."

The council turned down the original plans for four caravans, four utility blocks and a children's play area. The plans have now been simplified with Mrs Lea applying to house two caravnas at the site as well as retaining a cess pit, amenity block and hardstandings.

Head of MCC planning George Ashworth told the inquiry there was "excellent provision" for Mrs Lea in her current location at Upper Race, with specialist support at local schools for the children in her family.

He added Monmouthshire has 'far flung' services for the community, would be of less benefit to Mrs Lea and family.

Whilst acknowledging the need for travellers' sites in South Wales, Mr Ashworth said: "If an area has particularly supportive infrastructure for a vulnerable part of that community it makes sense to capitalise on that," adding he believes the Monmouthshire site is not well enough equipped.

The council also has concerns about potential disturbance of a large water main underneath the site, and a verdict on the appeal is expected after Welsh Water have submitted findings from exploring this further.

Planning inspector Hywel Wyn Jones said this is likely to take several weeks.