All seats filled for the Traveller discussion

It was standing room only in Central Beds Council’s council chamber for the sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee, at which the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan was discussed.

The plan lists 35 possible Gypsy and Traveller sites on a long list, some of which will become a reality.

Members of the public objected to there being more proposed sites in the north of the county than in the south, although Councillor Nigel Young responded that at present there is a 60/40 split with more pitches in the south.

Councillor Adam Zerny, who represents the Potton ward, commented on the many possible sites in his area.

He said: “People have complained it can’t be right for nine proposed long list sites to be in one ward with another four next door.

“Twenty nine of 35 sites appear to be in the north. We want a fair and equitable division over Central Bedfordshire.”

He added that the council can make compulsory purchase orders if there is no land available.

He continued: “Policy says a site should not dominate the nearest settled community. One of the five adjacent to the village of Sutton is bigger than the village itself.”

Councillor Nigel Young responded: “I’m not sure of the population of Sutton but that would mean something like 32 Gypsy and Traveller members of families. I don’t think that’s going to dominate the population of Sutton so let’s not get overexcited by that at the moment.”

He said that only parts of the selected fields will be used.

Several members of the public complained that a consultation is not taking place at the moment, before the short list is created.

Councillors said that members of the public are welcome to get in touch before the next committee meeting on Thursday, February 28 or prior to future meetings.

Councillor Adam Zerny also objected to councillors’ responses to the public. He said: “I’ve heard lots of patronising comments given to the members of the public. Many have taken time off work to help with the process. The council needs a little less dictating and more listening.”

Chairman David McVicar replied: “I don’t want to run a committee with this tone in it. It’s not condescension – it happens to be running to the rules of debate in a meeting.”

The Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan will be discussed by the executive committee in March and by the full council in April. There will then be a public consultation starting in May.

If you have any comments for the council send them to [email protected]