News Beat
Six sites being considered for new traveller camp in Wales
Need to know
If a new site is not found the council could be in breach of its legal duties
The existing gypsy / traveller site at Leighton Arches in Welshpool(Image: )
People are being asked their views on the proposed location of a traveller site in Powys. The need for more traveller accommodation was established under the county’s local development plan, setting out how land should be used over the coming years.
Powys Council says a new location is needed as there is no room to extend the existing traveller accommodation at Leighton Arches, Welshpool. Six potential sites were recently put forward for consultation.
Five of these are in the villages of Leighton and Forden near Welshpool, and the sixth is in Churchstoke. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter.
And due to the volume of responses received so far, the overall consultation has been extended to the end of October.
Council leader Jake Berriman (Lib Dem) has called for locals to suggest other options for land that could accommodate 12 mobile homes with room for “further expansion”.
The law around gypsy and traveller sites
All Welsh councils have a legal duty to assess the accommodation needs of gypsy and traveller communities. If Powys Council does not find a new site, it could be in breach of its obligations.
The current sites under consideration are:
- 7.83 hectares on land opposite Severnleigh/Stables/Coach House/Granary – Leighton
- 11.39 hectares on land southwest of Severnleigh – Leighton
- 47.12 hectares of buildings and land at Gwyn’s Barn – Leighton
- 2.92 hectares of land north of Church Farm/Church Farm close – Forden
- 3.6 hectares of land of the C2114 road at land south/southwest of Church Farm/Church Farm Close opposite Pound Fields – Forden
- 8.26 hectares of land at Fir House – Churchstoke.
Councillor Amanda Jenner (Tory) has put a series of questions to the council on this issue, asking: “What steps will the council take to consider each alternative site in a transparent manner? Will the council re-consult the public?
“If not, how is this evolving proposal being governed and scrutinised to ensure transparency and consistency?
“What are the timeframes for considering alternative sites and for communicating with the communities of Leighton, Forden and Churchstoke whether each of those proposed sites will still remain an option for a new Gypsy Traveller site?
“How is the council re-consulting with the Gypsy Traveller community in order to ensure their needs and preferences are continuously taken into consideration as part of the evolving nature of this?”
A response to Ms Jenner’s questions is required by February 2.
