Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document – ‘Preferred Options’ consultation - Solihull

From Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Solihull Council has made a significant step forward in the process of deciding how the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the Borough will be met over the next 15 years.

From today, Monday 9 July, until Monday 3 September 2012, the Council will be consulting with residents on its Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document ‘Preferred Options’.

This document sets out the Council’s intended approach to meeting the need to provide 38 permanent residential pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the borough between 2012 and 2027.

It also identifies the sites that the Council considers suitable to meet these requirements.

The consultation is asking residents for their views on whether the Council’s preferred approach is acceptable, and also gives residents the opportunity to comment on the proposals and sites that have been put forward.

Between 2012 and 2027, the Council is identifying sites to provide permanent and transit, pitches in the borough, to be delivered in two phases.

During phase 1, from 2012-2017, 23 pitches, and five transit pitches, are being proposed on land at Old Damson Lane, Solihull, as well five pitches at the Warren, Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green and three pitches at the Uplands, Dickens Heath Road.

During phase 2, from 2017-2027, 12 more pitches are proposed at the Haven, Catherine-de-Barnes Lane, Bickenhill.

Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “We have now reached a milestone in terms of planning for the needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the borough. Despite it being an emotive subject, we have not shirked our responsibilities and our identified needs are based on robust evidence. As well as being something that is required of us by national government, having authorised sites available will strengthen our position should we have to deal with incidences of unauthorised sites in the future.”

The Preferred Options document and response forms will be available at www.solihull.gov.uk/ldf and there will also be copies in all libraries, connect centres, Children’s centres and area housing offices in the Borough.

All responses to the consultation must be received no later than Monday 3 September 2012.