Planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller sites expected in early 2013 - Cheshire

From wilmslow.co.uk

The Leader of Cheshire East Council has signalled a move forward for Gypsy and Traveller sites, saying that planning applications for selected sites could be submitted as early as next year.

Councillor Michael Jones said: "We are committed to finding suitable sites for our Traveller and Gypsy communities, but it must be the right site with the right facilities so that this community can live in harmony.

"We have recently consulted our residents on the Local Plan, which identifies sites for sustainable growth over the next two decades, and sites will ultimately be identified through this process.

"However, there does seem to be a lack of public confidence about where the right sites are, but we would like to reassure residents that we are committed to getting this right first time round.

"With our partners in Cheshire West and Warrington we will be commissioning a fresh Gypsy and Traveller accommodation assessment to ensure that we are basing our approach on up-to-date information about the scale and location of accommodation needs.

"There is discussion on several sites ongoing and we are hopeful that applications will be bought forward early next year."