Plan for more Gypsy pitches - County Durham

From the Northern Echo

A MASTERPLAN for where Gypsy and Traveller pitches should be created in Darlington over the next 15 years is to be drawn up.

Darlington Borough Council has identified six potential locations for new or extended sites, which could be earmarked to be developed as sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople.

A study carried out for Tees Valley councils found that there are not enough pitches for travelling communities in the area and Darlington needs to provide an additional 35 pitches by 2026.

The six potential locations for these pitches are: * A site in Salters Lane West, which has room for five to 15 pitches. Highways improvement would be required;

* Open space in Blackett Road, a mix of greenfield and previously developed land with space for five to 15 pitches;

* A Darlington Borough Council-owned site in the North West Fringe, near West Park and Branksome, which has been earmarked for housing. Five to 15 pitches could be sited there;

* Converting six transient pitches at the existing council-owned Honeypot Lane caravan site into residential pitches; * Extending Honeypot Lane to provide another five to 15 pitches;

* Extending the existing council-owned site in Neasham Road to provide an extra 15 to 20 pitches;

* Extending the existing private family site in Roundhill Road, Hurworth, to provide an extra three to five pitches.

Darlington has 68 residential pitches for travelling communities spread between two council-owned caravan sites and seven small private sites, which are occupied by the families who own them.

The plan being created is part of a Government requirement that all councils assess accommodation needs for travelling communities.

Gyspies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople living in the town have been consulted about the plans, and the council will further consult them before any decisions are made.

A council spokewoman said: "If the issue is not addressed, it could lead to unauthorised encampments and developments being set up.

"To tackle the lack of pitches in the borough, a number of potential new sites have been identified by the council.

"Potential sites could be purchased or privately rented by the Gypsy or travelling community. A number of funding options are also available, which would allow the council and housing associations to bid for money to help provide the new sites."

Anyone who would like to view the plans and have their say can attend drop-in sessions at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, next Wednesday, on Wednesday, April 4, and on Wednesday, April 11, or in Darlington Indoor Market, on Friday, March 23, and Friday, March 30.

All sessions are from 10am to noon, and from 1pm to 3pm.