Council says it has ‘no choice’ but to provide new gypsy site
Following Monday’s public drop-in held in Forden which saw a lot of frustration and anger from residents of Leighton, Forden and Churchstoke, which are all being considered for the new site, Powys County Council said it has extended the consultation deadline from October 22, to October 31.
The council also stressed that it has no choice but to provide the new camp as close as possible to the current facility at Leighton Arches, and said it would face legal action from Welsh Government if it refused.
But residents have also responded to the council’s extension by saying that they want more time, with a freedom of information request for information not expected to return until November 4, four days after the current deadline.
Residents have also highlighted a site in Newtown that they believe would be more suitable, a point that we have put to Powys County Council for comment.
But here are the latest comments from Powys senior officials:
Councillor Jake Berriman, Powys County Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for People, Performance and Partnerships:
“We also welcome submissions on possible alternative sites in the Welshpool area, which would meet the requirement for accommodating 12 mobile homes, with room for further expansion. We are taking the time to listen to everyone’s views and want to allow more time for this two-way conversation to take place.”
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for a Fairer Powys:
“We have a duty under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to assess the accommodation needs of our Gypsy and Traveller communities, and there is simply no room for expansion left at the existing council-run site just outside Welshpool, at Leighton Arches.
“If we failed to take the actions we are now, we would be in breach of our legal obligations, which are in place to prevent racism, discrimination and prejudice.”
How you can participate in the public consultation:
Responses can be submitted through the council’s consultation and engagement hub: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/site-options
The six sites under consideration:
- Parcel 1 at Leighton, Welshpool (7.83ha): Land opposite Severnleigh/Stables/Coach House/Granary, Leighton.
- Parcel 2 at Leighton, Welshpool (11.39ha): Land southwest of Severnleigh, Leighton.
- Land Holding at Leighton, Welshpool (47.12ha): Buildings and land at Gwyns Barn, Leighton.
- Parcel 1 at Forden, Welshpool (2.92ha): Land adjacent Forden Village - north of Church Farm/Church Farm Close, Forden.
- Parcel 2 at Forden, Welshpool (3.6ha): Land off C road C2114, South/southwest of Church Farm/Church Farm Close (opposite Pound Fields), Forden.
- Land Holding at Churchstoke, Montgomery (8.26ha): Land adjacent Churchstoke Village – Fir House land, Churchstoke.
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