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Plans have been lodged for two gypsy traveller pitches at a small agricultural holding to help a family escape their current site which is "suffering from cold, damp conditions". Anthony Thomas and his family, represented by agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, are seeking approval for two traveller family pitches featuring two static caravans, a day/utility room, two touring caravans, plus upgrades to the current access and ecological improvements at Made of More Yard, Simpson Hill, Simpson Cross. The site, on land belonging to the applicant, began operating in June 2025. A supporting statement explains there is a "genuine need for an appropriate alternative site to accommodate his immediate family (parents in one pitch and wife, himself and two children in the other) in a safe and tranquil environment." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here It states: "The applicant's lifestyle falls within the definition of gypsies," with community members having a preference "for small self-development family-oriented pitches, in areas close to settlements with good accessibility to services such as schools and community facilities, rather than larger municipal run facilities for a variety of historical reasons". It continues: "There are currently no public or private sites available within the county and are unlikely to be brought forward in the foreseeable future to meet the expanding needs of the applicant or the Gypsy and Traveller community." The application continues by highlighting potential health risks at the family's current location: "The existing family pitches are in poor condition suffering from cold, damp conditions, particularly during the winter months and both the applicant and his wife are fed up scrubbing the walls with bleach once a week in an attempt to control the mould." The document states: "It is not considered this small-scale development for one family pitch for two static units in this location will cause any significant harm considering the more permissive approach provided [by planning advice and guidance] is a material consideration that weighs in favour of the development. "It is considered the personal circumstances of the applicant and family has identified a genuine need for the accommodation, the lack of alternative sites within the county as a whole, the site's sustainable location and low level of traffic generation are material considerations if favour of the proposal that, on balance, outweigh all other matters." County planners will examine the application at a future date.
