Why Newport sites were rejected for Gypsies - South Wales

LAND deemed acceptable for the development of Gypsy sites in Newport include areas within a protected flood plain, a former tip and a protected wildlife site. 

A list of 20 sites considered suitable under Welsh Government (WG) guidelines and published on the council’s website, includes comments on each area’s suitability, including the five shortlisted sites in Bettws, Nash and Marshfield. 

It shows that two of the five, including the former army camp and the former barracks, both at Pye Corner, Nash, lie within protected flood plains.

The shortlisted Queensway Meadows site, south of Leeway Industrial Estate, Nash, is considered to have good access and road links, but would need screening from surrounding commercial businesses.

Land at Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws, is in a rural area, which the WG advises against, but it already has residential planning consent so would be suitable for a small Gypsy and Traveller camp.

The last shortlisted area, at Pound Hill, Coedkernew, is said to be on a main route with good access. Although it is a sloping site, the difference in levels would cancel out noise from the M4.

Other areas looked at include the former working mens’ club in Lliswerry, and land opposite Old Spencer Boys Club, Ringland, which were dismissed because of privacy concerns for Travellers.

Brickyard Lane, Allt- Yr-Yn; and a chicken farm in Castleton could not cope with increased traffic. Craig y Ceiliog, Bettws, although suitable under WAG guidelines, was discounted by the council because it was a former tip.

Also disregarded was Bettws Allotments, after the council decided against the use of allotment land. There were access issues at College Crescent, Caerleon, and noise concerns at land near the Open Hearth pub, Ringland, and a former bakery on Nash Road.

The former Bridge Training Centre, in the Victoria ward, was dismissed because social services is using it;

Tatton Farm, Lliswerry, is believed to have substandard access.

Penhow quarry, Langstone, has unsecured hazards and is home to protected wildlife.

The former road safety site at Hartridge Farm, Llanwern, has already been approved for homes and money from its sale will fund the rebuild of Hartridge High School.

The former Wye Vale Garden Centre, Marshfield, is five times bigger than needed; and safety concerns were raised about Arnsbrae House, Glassworks Cottages, Shaftsbury.