Council to tackle Gypsy site shortage in Shropshire

From the Shropshire Star

A shortfall of Gypsy and Traveller pitches in Shropshire will be addressed later this year, according to council chiefs.

Shropshire Council has admitted it is aware of the need for more Gypsy and Traveller sites and will carry out an updated assessment later this year.

It said work is also due to start soon on a new 10-plot site in Whittington, near Oswestry, while a six-plot extension is planned for an existing site in Craven Arms.

It follows an ongoing planning dispute for a Traveller site beside the A41 in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, where the council admitted to not having a five-year supply of appropriate sites.

Planning officers for the council told an inquiry into the issue it currently has a shortfall of 47 pitches.

Councillor Malcolm Price, Shropshire Council cabinet member for planning, said: “We are aware of the need for more Gypsy and Traveller sites, and an updated assessment is due to be carried out later this year.

“That will give us the up-to-date information needed make decisions in the future as we work towards the development and adoption of a new Gipsy and Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

“Work is due to start next month on a new 10-plot site in Whittington, near Oswestry, and a six-plot extension is planned for an existing site in Craven Arms.

“We are also looking at fully refurbishing the site at Manor House Lane, Prees, to include a further two or three new plots.

“This is subject to potential funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Traveller Pitch funding programme and obtaining planning permission.”

A public inquiry was held into whether Shropshire Council’s decision to oppose proposals for the Tern Hill site can be overturned. After the inquiry local councillors called on Shropshire Council to address its shortfall at Market Drayton and Rural Areas Local Joint Committee.

Councillor Richard Wright, of Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council, said applicants wanting to create Gypsy and Traveller pitches were using the shortfall as their main argument for them to be approved.

“I urge Shropshire Council to address its shortfall of Gypsy and Traveller pitches.”