Traveller site proposals to be unveiled - Berkshire

From Get Wokingham

Proposals to expand a Traveller site will be unveiled to the public next week.

Twyford Orchards in London Road is to be expanded and refurbished under plans from Wokingham Borough Council, which has secured £500,000 of Government funding for the project.

Local residents will be able to view the proposals at Twyford Youth Centre in Loddon Hall Road between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday, May 15.

Councillor Keith Baker, executive member for Gypsy Roma Traveller liaison, said: "For sometime we have been aware of overcrowding at Twyford Orchards. We've met with site residents over the past few months and have come up with proposals that meet their needs and will improve their living conditions.

"We now want to talk to the wider Twyford community to get their views on our proposals. I hope that many people will take the opportunity to come and see the plans themselves."

Twyford Orchards currently consists of 16 constructed pitches that have become overcrowded.

Cllr Baker said: "By expanding the site, it will alleviate overcrowding by providing better spacing of pitches. We will not be allowing more families to move onto the site and we have made it clear we will take enforcement action should this happen.”

The council is looking to acquire approximately 0.65 hectares of adjoining land, with negotiations ongoing with the landowner.

A planning application could be submitted early this summer and local residents and interested parties will have a further chance to comment during the public consultation.