New chance to have say on Traveller sites in York - Yorkshire

From the Press

Parish councils and other groups in York have four weeks to have their say on how new sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Showpeople should be chosen.

City of York Council has commissioned a study into how many pitches the city needs and which sites should provide them as part of the process of drawing up its Local Plan development map. Various organisations and neighbouring councils now have until December 12 to submit their comments.

The study will update previous work in this area, with the authority saying it has a responsibility to provide enough land to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers through the lifespan of the Local Plan, which would run to 2030. Coun Dave Merrett, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “The Local Plan addresses that there is a real need for more homes in York and also the need to address overcrowding for all residents, including Gypsy, Roma and Travellers.

“This new study will provide an important insight into their needs in the York area, enabling us to make informed decisions on site allocation. We want to work positively with all York communities to address the location of all new proposed sites.”

Plans to expand the Osbaldwick Traveller site were approved by the council last month despite opposition, while a potential site on Malton Road has also drawn objections.

More details are at york.gov.uk/localplan