Council set to reveal potential Travellers' sites - Cheshire

From alderleyedge.com

Cheshire East Council will shortly be announcing which sites have been identified as potential sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Show people.

It is national policy that as part of the local plan the Council is required to identify a five year land supply for the provision of Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Show people sites. We understand Cheshire East Council need to provide around 60 pitches in the Borough.

Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said "As part of a sub regional and pan Cheshire approach we have jointly commissioned a Gypsy and Travellers Needs Assessment to establish the need across the sub region and Cheshire East have also engaged an independent external consultant to undertake a site identification study to establish suitable sites across the authority.

"This report is in its final stages and no decision has yet been taken. Once a suitable list of sites has been established then the report will form part of the Local Plan evidence base and will be available to the public.

"It is a very difficult discussion around Traveller sites and we are being very sensitive to this. I am pleased that we have received numerous sites from the private sector and these have been examined. Once the report has been published a clear debate will be undertaken and through the planning process consultation with stakeholders and the public will be undertaken."

Cllr Michael Jones added "There are no sites in Cheshire East for Gypsy and Travellers at Alderley Edge, Handforth or Wilmslow. There have been sites proposed but the independent consultant has ruled these out."

"There is a site still under consideration which is Council owned land, which is based within the boundary of Stockport. This site would require cooperation with Stockport to deliver, especially on planning and access."