Public asked for thoughts on plans for new Travellers site near Matlock - Derbyshire

From the Derbyshire Telegraph

A proposal to create a Travellers site in a Derbyshire village is the subject of a public consultation.

Derbyshire Dales District Council will hold a public meeting on the plans to have the site at a woodyard, in Homesford, near Matlock, on March 27.

It is also asking for feedback via post, email and online.

The authority has a legal obligation to find a Traveller site for a family of Travellers which is currently being homed at Bakewell Showground.

It has ruled out 10 other possible sites.

Meanwhile, a planning application for a temporary traveller site in Rowsley, where the family could stay for a maximum of nine months, will be considered by the council on March 21.

A council spokesman said the woodyard was selected to be retained after factors, including “site size, ownership, availability, proximity to residential properties, vehicular access, bus routes, shops and schools, ground conditions and access to health services” were taken into account.

He said: “The district council has stressed that the eventual creation of a Traveller site at Homesford is far from a foregone conclusion.

“Dialogue is continuing with the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) with a view to identifying any other potential sites in the Derbyshire Dales for evaluation for a Traveller family currently parked at Bakewell Showground.

“Members fully understand that the legal duty to offer suitable accommodation is absolute and cannot be discharged unless a suitable offer of accommodation is made.

“If we chose to ignore this duty, it could result in costly legal action against the council that would have to be borne by the council taxpayers of the Derbyshire Dales, and the duty to find suitable accommodation would still remain.”

The Homesford meeting will take place at Wirksworth Leisure Centre, from 7