Gypsy and Traveller site shortlist supported by council

The list – which includes sites in Biggleswade, Arlesey and Potton – will now be published and submitted to the Secretary of State.

It was supported by councillors at a meeting on Thursday (April 18).

The sites are included in the council’s draft Gypsy and Traveller Plan, which will also be open to public consultation in May or June before it is sent to the Secretary of State.

At the meeting 37 voted in favour and 11 against, with five abstentions.

The shortlist of seven proposed sites accommodates an estimated 66 possible pitches that should help to fulfil the need for the next ten years.

Sites could be installed on land east of Potton Road and Ram Farm in Potton, south east of Park Corner Farm and south of Dunton Lane in Biggleswade and south of Fairfield and west of Stotfold Road in Arlesey.

The council also approved plans to provide for a total 157 Gypsy and Traveller and 22 pitches for Travelling Showpeople in the period up to 2031.

The latter could include Kennel Farm Holdings to the east of Biggleswade.

The council will meet the outstanding allocation required through major development proposals, windfall sites (unexpected applications) and current live applications or appeals.

Councillor Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities (strategic planning and economic development) at Central Beds Council said: “We really do understand that this has provoked strong reactions and the shortlist of sites has certainly caused some debate.

“The support by Council doesn’t amount to a decision on any of the sites – it simply means that it supports the publication of the full Plan and shortlist of sites for public consultation and submission to the Secretary of State.

He added: “There is still a long way to go with this process. Any submissions made as part of the upcoming consultation will be provided to the Secretary of State. He will then appoint an independent Planning Inspector to examine the Plan and process.

“There will then be a public examination in early 2014 after which the Planning Inspector will make his final ruling – either to support the Plan or ask the council to look again.”

“We would encourage people to give us their views when the consultation opens and we will let people know the dates for this as soon as we can.”

The site recommendations were based on three waves of assessment, visits by councillors and comments and feedback received.

For more information and updates see www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/gypsytravellerplan