People are being invited by Bath & North East Somerset Council to have their say about the proposed locations for Gypsy and Traveller sites from today.
The Council Cabinet decided to consult on six possible locations. These sites have the potential to deliver pitches meet identified need. The Cabinet also agreed to continue to seek and assess any additional sites brought forward by the public and will consider those sites at its September meeting. This allows the opportunity for open debate about where local people think is the most suitable locations.
- Old Colliery Buildings, Stanton Wick;
- Lower Bristol Road, Twerton;
- Land near Ellsbridge House, Keynsham;
- Former Radstock Infant School canteen;
- Woollard Lane, Parcel 7100, Whitchurch;
- Station Road, Newbridge – as a Travelling Showman’s Yard
The suggestion of The Daglands open space, Camerton was not put forward for formal consultation by the Cabinet.
There are five public events where people can find out more about the proposals and give their views.
Radstock: Methodist Church Hall, Wednesday 6 June 2012 3pm – 7pm.
Stanton Drew: Parish Hall, Thursday 7 June 2012 3pm – 7pm.
Bath: The Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Wednesday 13 June 2012 3pm – 7pm.
Pensford: Pensford Memorial Hall, Publow Lane, Pensford, BS39 4HW, 18 June 2012, 3pm – 7pm.
Keynsham: The Fear Hall, Tuesday 19 June 2012, 3pm – 7pm.
Further information on the consultation, including a comment form and advertisement of any additional events can be found on the Council’s website http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/planningfortravellers.
The consultation closes on 18th July 2012.
Why is the Council consulting on these proposals?
The Council is the only authority in the West of England not to have any authorised permanent sites. This is an early step in the process of finding suitable sites. Once the Council has allocated land for pitches and facilities are in place, they will have a firm basis upon which to take robust enforcement action on unauthorised sites.
Improved facilities on authorised sites will result in an improved local environment and more orderly surroundings compared with unauthorised sites. This will reduce the costs to the local taxpayer that are associated with some unauthorised occupations.
The full reasons behind why the Council is addressing this issue can be found here:http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/news/latestnews/2012/April2012/Pages/AuthorisedTravellerssitestobedebated.aspx
