Decision due on Gypsy sites - Bedfordshire

From Luton Today

Councillors are set to decide tomorrow (Thursday) on a shortlist of locations for new Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Last month the News/Gazette revealed Central Bedfordshire Council had compiled a long list of potential sites, including two in Barton, one in Bidwell and one on the outskirts of Harlington.

The authority compiled the list after a call for people to suggest sites last year failed to produce adequate numbers.

It says 130 new pitches are required up to 2031.

Central Beds is expecting a packed council chamber for Thursday’s Overview and Scrutiny meeting, and has written to parish councils to tell them only 180 people can be accommodated at the meeting.

The letter reads: “We are aware that there are likely to be a significant number of people who may wish to attend and we intend to take every measure possible to maintain safe and fair access to the process.

“Such measures include providing additional seating in the council chamber itself. We are also arranging for the meeting to be filmed and broadcast live to the canteen area of the council offices.

“This will allow as many people as possible to attend, within the limits of our capacity for health and safety.”

A full public consultation is expected to take place in late spring once the shortlist is finalised.