AN expert has said a disputed green belt site in Shenleybury is the most appropriate she has ever seen for a small gypsy family.

Alison Heine, a gypsy and traveller specialist and member of the the Royal Town Planning Institute, gave evidence this afternoon to the planning inquiry into a gypsy family occupying land adjacent to Shenleybury Cottages.

She said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better site on the green belt, I think the council would struggle to find anywhere better for a small family site such as this.

“This is a really good site for travelers – unlike other sites it is not next to a motorway, it’s not under pylons, it’s a good situation for gypsies and travellers.”

Ms Heine dismissed the idea of finding new gypsy sites in urban areas away from residential areas as “absurd”, and pulled apart Hertsmere Borough Council’s efforts to find new gypsy sites in the area.

She said referred to a “policy vacuum” in Hertsmere in finding alternative sites for a growing gypsy and traveler population dating back to 1994, and added: “I think it is fair to say there is nothing available to the gypsy and traveler community.”

The inquiry comes after the council twice last year turned down planning permission for owner of the land Sarah Price, who wants retrospectively to be allowed to set up home in a caravan, with a generator and portable toilet.

Ms Price, who has appealed against the council decisions, this morning apologized for not following the proper planning procedures, but said: “I've nowhere else to live with my children”.

Neighbours in Shenleybury are listening to proceedings, waiting to outline their opposition to Ms Price’s use of the land which used to contain lock-up garages.

But Ms Heine said: “I don’t believe there is any harm to the character or appearance. You can’t see this site from any public place and the council hasn’t raised that as an issue.”

The planning inquiry, which started this morning at the civic offices in Elstree Way, is due to conclude tomorrow.