Re-think needed over new Traveller site proposals for Swansea - says AM Suzy Davies - Glamorgan

From the South Wales Evening Post

A RETHINK is needed over plans for a Travellers' site in Swansea, according to an Assembly Member.

Suzy Davies says findings in a Welsh Assembly inspector's report prove there should be re-assessment about the need for Travellers' pitches, and the consultation process carried out by Swansea Council to locate a second Traveller site in the city.

Five sites have been shortlisted by the authority, including what would be a second in Llansamlet, two in Gorseinon, one in Cockett and one in Penderry.

But the Planning Inspectorate raised doubts over the process in Swansea following a decision to permit caravans to be sited on private land at Drummau House in Birchgrove Road. Swansea Council had turned down the application, but its ruling was overturned on appeal.

In its judgement, the inspector said the number of pitches needed might have been underestimated by the council, and questioned whether the process to identify and establish a site had been underestimated.

The inspector wrote: "I am satisfied that the council set about its Gypsy Traveller accommodation assessment (GTAA) process with good intent, and that there is also a willingness on its part to adjust figures if further information comes to light. However, it is clear to me that the GTAA has underestimated need . . it seems to me that need will be considerably more than that identified by the council."

It added: "It is the council's view that suitable sites identified by the task and finish group could be brought forward within two-and-a-half years. In my experience, this timetable is optimistic and a period of three-and-a-half to four years would be more realistic."

Ms Davies said: "I have already expressed my concern that the means of consultation may not have been accessible to certain individuals or groups. It also appears the council's means of assessment of the need may not have passed the test of scrutiny.

"There are worrying implications for the Local Development Plan. If there is a query over the robustness of the council's processes to assess future accommodation needs, can we be confident that the LDP will meet all our future needs and be fit for purpose?"

Swansea Council said it had complet- ed its consultation process and was now looking at considering all the responses before the next stage, when the findings will go before council and cabinet.