Controversial Leicester Gypsy and Travellers sites are approved - Leicestershire

From the Leicester Mercury

Contentious plans for managed Gypsy Traveller pitches in the north of Leicester have been approved by city councillors.

Members of Leicester City Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to allow plots at Thurcaston Road, near the Red Hill Roundabout, and Greengate Lane, near Birstall, to be developed.

Both areas were selected by Leicester City Council on land it owns and it says the 16 pitches are needed to reduce the problem of unauthorised encampments.

Last night, a special committee meeting was held at the African-Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, where members discussed planning the application by housing association Framework which has been granted £4.3 million of Government cash to build and develop the sites.

see also: The BBC - Two new Leicester Gypsy and Traveller sites approved