Sites for Gypsies and Travellers - Cheshire

From the Winsford Guardian

IT is national policy that as part of the local plan we are required to identify a five year land supply for the provision of Gypsy and Travellers and travelling Show people sites.

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.

The report is in its final stages and no decision has yet been taken. Once a suitable list of sites has been established, 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 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.

Clr Michael Jones Leader, Cheshire East Counci