Gypsy homes come under the spotlight - Cheshire

CHESHIRE East Council is looking to work with private companies to deal with the issue of homes for Gypsies and Travellers.

It is also looking to partner with registered social landlords to address the housing needs of the groups after last week withdrawing plans for a site on Parkers Road in Crewe.

Clr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “The Parkers Road application has been withdrawn to enable us to take stock of the new guidance and formulate a new approach.

“I would like to stress that the decision to withdraw the application has not disadvantaged Gypsies and Travellers in Cheshire East.

“Our aim is to work with the Gypsy and Traveller community and local residents to find a sustainable solution to the shortage in sites.”

The council had considered Parkers Lane as the best site for a number of reasons including its proximity to an urban area and schools, the flatness of the land, good road access and because the area was known to be used by Gypsies.

However, the authority is now studying the Government’s new planning policy for traveller sites, which gives greater scope for councils to carry out their own assessments of site provision.

Clr Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “The guidance has given us the opportunity to explore new innovative working relationships in the delivery of sites.

“We need to provide more Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the same way we need to increase the number of new homes that are built.

“Therefore, it makes sense that we work with the same partners – namely the private sector and registered social landlords.” Labour had called for the plans to be withdrawn in February and in a statement last week accused local Conservatives of wasting time and money.

Crewe East Ward Clr Chris Thorley said: “This site should never have been proposed at all.

“The Conservatives have wasted everyone’s time and money by pursuing this application for so long.”