County neighbour’s opinion counts too

Christine Theobald lives in Potton Road, The Heath, which is in Cambridgeshire but right next to Potton.

She said that she was not informed of the Gypsy and Traveller site on land east of Potton Road and south of Ram Farm until it was shortlisted for the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan by Central Beds Council’s sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee last week.

Even though it is not in the same county the site abuts The Heath.

Christine said: “None of the people in South Cambridgeshire were notified about what was happening and this site will be on adjacent ground. It affects us.”

She added that she found out about the site because she has a friend in Potton and she had to visit the Potton Town Council offices for details.

Councillor Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities (strategic planning and economic development) said: “Central Bedfordshire Council has consulted neighbouring local authorities on the content of the Gypsy and Traveller Plan.

“In addition, we’ve asked the public to send us their views ahead of the second formal consultation in May or June because we knew that it was a subject that people felt strongly about.

“Members of the public, community groups and organisations have been doing so and we used these as part of the preparation for our overview and scrutiny committee.

“Our staff have also been in touch with neighbouring authorities to share best practice and they hope to meet to discuss Gypsy and Traveller Local Plans.

“Parish councils from neighbouring authorities have not been contacted individually but we hope that they will feed into the next formal consultation.”

Should people living by the county borders have been kept better informed? Email [email protected]