Gypsy site consultation won’t be rebooted, despite residents’ plea
A seven-week consultation was extended to October 31, with Powys identifying six locations in Leighton, Forden and Churchstoke for a new site that it says it has no choice but to provide by the Welsh Government due to Leighton Arches reaching capacity.
But a 56-page resident submission details concerns over transparency, equality, heritage and due-process obligations under national planning law.
The residents group said that they want to “close the current Gypsy & Traveller Site Options consultation immediately” and restart the process “lawfully, ensuring that all qualifying settlements under Paragraph 38 of Welsh Government Circular 005/2018 are assessed on a consistent, published evidence base”.
They stress that it is not in opposition to any community, but “request for fair process, equality and accountability within the Welsh planning framework”.
The 56-page formal representation has been submitted to the Council’s Monitoring Officer, Compliance Officer, Cabinet Member for Planning, the Welsh Government Planning Directorate, local MP Steve Witherden and Senedd Member Jane Dodds.
“This isn’t about opposing any community,” the group said in a statement. “Local people want Powys County Council to follow Welsh Government rules - to make decisions fairly, openly, and on the same evidence for everyone.
“Our 56-page submission sets out, clearly and respectfully, why Powys must pause, close the current exercise and restart on a lawful footing.”
But Powys has said it will push on with its plans on the current timeline, saying there will be plenty of more options to comment in the next phase of consultation.
A statement from Powys County Council this morning stated:
“This Gypsy and Traveller site consultation has been run to gather initial views on the six sites proposed by the council, and to see whether any further potential sites could be identified.
“Once the consultation has closed there will be a detailed assessment of all the information that has been gathered which will be used to help select a preferred option.
“The preferred site option will then be open to further opportunities for consultation during consideration of the replacement local development plan for Powys (2022-2037). A final opportunity for comments will also be available through the planning process when any applications are submitted by the council’s housing service.
“The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs - Site Options Consultation was due to run for seven weeks but was extended until 5pm on Friday, October 31, due to the number of people wishing to comment.
“Requests were then made for a further extension which were refused, as there will be other opportunities to express an opinion as outlined.”
Anyone wishing to have their say can still do so through the council’s consultation and engagement hub: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/site-options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|