Three sites set to be dropped from BANES Gypsy and Traveller plans - Somesret

From the Bath Chronicle

The three most controversial sites being considered as Gypsy and Traveller settlements are likely to be dropped by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The local authority had carried out a consultation looking at six plots which they believed had potential to be designated as official land for Travellers moving through the area.

However, in response to feedback from members of the public, it has said that it is “highly unlikely” that it will pursue the ones in Keynsham, Radstock and Stanton Wick.

The site in Keynsham had been opposed by Rosemary Collard, the owner of Snapdragons Nurseries, because she is opening a new centre on the adjacent land.

The move has been supported by former Keynsham Town Councillor Andy Wait and the chair of Saltford Parish Council Duncan Hounsell.

Mr Wait said: “I’m very pleased and relieved that the valid concerns of Keynsham residents over the Travellers site at Ellsbridge House have been recognised by B&NES. This shows the council has listened and I look forward to them bringing forward more sites in the future.”

This means that the three sites now due to move forward to the next phase of the process are the one in Twerton, on Lower Bristol Road, the one in Station Road, in Newbridge, and one in Whitchurch.

B&NES Council has said that there were no complaints about the Twerton plot, and only a small number of concerns about the other two.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for homes and planning, said: “We are listening very closely to the views of local communities. In response to feedback, the council intends to revise the criteria by which any proposed sites are selected for our Gypsy and Traveller site plan.

“As things stand and under these proposed new criteria, I believe it is almost certain that the three sites suggested at Stanton Wick, Ellsbridge House, and Radstock Infant School Canteen will not be included in our final plans.”

The opposition Conservative group has labelled the news a “u-turn”, but said it was pleased the ruling Liberal Democrats had seen sense.

Group leader Councillor Francine Haeberling said: “The fact that the Lib Dems have finally bowed to public pressure is great news for those communities and businesses which have been impacted by these ill-thought out proposals.

“It’s just a shame that the council has wasted so much time and money before arriving at this outcome.”

A paper about the issue will be presented to B&NES Council’s cabinet for approval on September 12.

The draft paper, which has not yet been made public, highlights a timetable which includes further consultation next February and June.