‘Get involved to help shape the future’ - Lancashire

From the Gazette

Community leaders are urging residents to suggest possible sites for Travellers, new homes and future developments in Wyre.

The ‘call for sites’ comes as Wyre Council tries to create itS Local Plan – a 15 to 20 year legacy that sets out the borough’s policy on development.

Councillors are calling for recommendations made by residents for new homes or shops, employment land or areas that would be suitable to accommodate Travellers and Gypsies.

Coun Peter Gibson, leader of Wyre Council, says all suggestions will be considered and scrutinised before any decisions are made.

He said: “As part of this we have to go out and ask people if they have land available, however, that isn’t to say they will all get planning permission.

“It’s a question of trying to find land, but if people don’t come forward with space for Travellers, that’s their choice.

“Just because they come along with a suggestion for a piece of land it doesn’t mean to say they will be used, it still has to go through the planning process.

“I do accept it is a difficult situation but that’s all we can do because the Government asked us to consult on this as part of the Local Plan.”

There is no restrictions saying residents need to own the land they are suggesting for a certain purpose.

Residents in Preesall became embroiled in a three year fight to get a group of Travellers to leave land close to Lancaster Road homes in 2009.

The residents were eventually successful when the Travellers were told to move by a High Court judge.

Preesall councillor Paul Moon supported residents throughout their campaign.

He said: “Anybody can make an application on a piece of land for any purpose, and whether that is suitable or not is another matter, but that can only be discussed when there’s an application, which is decided on its own merits.”