Stanley Travellers’ site plan - Yorkshire

TRAVELLERS could move into Stanley if they get planning permission for a new permanent site.

Landowners, believed to be from a family of English Romany Gypsies, are looking to build a site at Castle Gate, on grazing land off the M62.

Their plan, which has been submitted to Wakefield Council, comprises 10 residential pitches, with associated hard-standing, landscaping and utility rooms.

Coun Simon Wilson, of Stanley and Outwood East, said he expected the plan to cause a lot of discussion in the area and has asked for it to be called before a planning committee.

He said: “When people hear the word ‘Traveller’ they get nervous about what could happen, so I am expecting quite a lot of feedback on this.

“If local residents are neutral or supportive of the plan then that is the stance we would take. I have requested for it to be brought before the planning committee for obvious reasons.”

Coun Wilson said the fact the site is near to the proposed site for the new Wakefield Wildcats stadium, where there are currently fly-tipping issues, could be a concern.

Ian Thomson, the council’s service director for planning, transportation and highways, said: “This application has recently being received and is early in the checking process. It is being prepared for advertisement and consultation. The supporting documents are being processed and will be available to view on the Wakefield Council website next week.”

Wakefield already has one of the UK’s largest Travellers’ camps at Heath Common.

But council bosses announced last year that they would look to provide new permanent sites to deter groups of Travellers setting up illegally across the city.

In November, people in Walton managed to fend off unpopular plans for a Travellers site on land between The Grove and The Balk. A care home is set to be built on the patch instead.