The Council will continue to listen to the views of local residents about gypsy and traveller sites following a vote at a public debate held on Monday.
A Conservative attempt to cut off the on-going pre-consultation was defeated by Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent Councillors.
In the debate, the Lib Dem Councillors thanked residents for their continuing engagement with the pre-consultation and criticised the Conservatives for playing politics and exploiting residents’ expectations about the decision-making power of the meeting.
Councillor Ben Stevens (Liberal Democrat, Widcombe) said: “After 4 years of insincere Conservative-run consultations, it is hardly surprising that the public would be sceptical, but this is a genuine listening exercise. By trying to curtail this consultation, the Tories are not trusting residents to speak for themselves.”
Councillor Jeremy Sparks (Liberal Democrat, Clutton) said: “I have received assurances that the Cabinet is listening to the concerns of myself and my residents and I am sure that they will make the right decision at the end of this pre-consultation to drop the sites which are so obviously unsuitable.”
The special meeting was called by members of the Conservative Group who wanted to discuss the matter. The Conservatives presented a motion to the meeting which was debated, but not supported by the Council. The Liberal Democrat Group presented a motion which was approved by the Council.
Councillor Simon Allen (Liberal Democrat, Radstock) commented: “I am passionate about two things related to this issue: for people to have safe and legal places to live, and, that communities are consulted on their opinion. This process must continue to ensure we achieve legal, safe sites in a timely way which does not draw this process out longer than has already been the case.”
