Councilllor slams the cost of Dorset's Gypsy site hunt

A COUNCILLOR has slammed the ‘staggering’ £244,000 consultation costs to find suitable Gypsy and Traveller sites throughout Dorset. It comes the day after Weymouth and Portland Borough councillor John Birtwistle said the 56-page Development Plan Document drawn up by external consultants was ‘complete rubbish’ at a council meeting. During the debate councillors gave the green light to the proposed shortlist of sites going to consultation in the borough. Residents will be asked their say, along with West Dorset residents, during the public consultation starting on November 18.