County Council refuses further extension to gypsy site consultation

Powys County Council has turned down a request from residents to extend the public consultation deadline for a new gypsy and traveller site in either Forden, Leighton or Churchstoke.

Powys has been told by the Welsh Government that it has to provide more capacity close to the existing site at Leighton Arches on the edge of Welshpool.

The authority said that land surrounding the current site is not suitable due to flood risk, as is looking at alternative options on land it owns at the three villages.

But they have faced a public backlash, with residents in Forden calling on the public consultation to be extended beyond the October 31 deadline, citing that freedom of information requests have been submitted and won’t be returned until November 4.

“Residents simply ask for transparency and time to make informed representations,” said a spokesperson on behalf of the concerned residents.

“Consultation should mean sharing evidence openly, not closing before key information is published and received.”

In another move, they have also said that a more suitable 25-acre site at Glandulas Farm Caravan Park, Llanidloes Road, Newtown, should be considered.

It has 75 serviced pitches, a manager’s lodge, recreation area and service buildings, and is currently for sale at £1.75 million.

They claim that the site is already in use with road access and utilities, offering a faster solution that would benefit all parties, and be a more cost-effective alternative to constructing new sites on greenfield land requiring major groundworks, utilities, roads, and lighting.

They have highlighted the option to the County Council as part of the consultation process.

We put the residents’ comments to the county council who told us:

“The council will not be providing an extension beyond the current deadline of October 31. It is our view that the additional information requested is not needed to be able to respond to the consultation as it is a matter for the council, as the local planning authority, to carry out an appraisal of the options and not residents.

“Alternative sites can be proposed through the consultation process, including privately owned sites. All viable sites in the council’s ownership are currently included.”

The six sites currently 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.