Council to consider the provision for a further traveller site
Telford & Wrekin Council is looking to buy a plot of land next to an existing permanent gypsy and traveller site to provide a further 11 plots.
It is planned that the site could replace the existing temporary transit site at Snedshill, where planning permission expires in December 2015.
The piece of land in question adjoins the established gypsy and traveller site at Lodge Road in Donnington Wood.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Housing, Public Health and Public Protection, , said: "We have experienced substantial numbers of unlawful gypsy and traveller encampments, which have had significant negative impact on the residential and business community.
"The costs are significant but the temporary Snedshill facility has enabled the council, in partnership with police and other agencies, to address the issue and use powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
"This enables the police to inform the unlawful encampment that the council has suitable provision and they will be expected to move there at the earliest opportunity.
"While no gypsy or travellers moved from illegal encampments have chosen to use the Snedshill site, its availability has enabled such illegal encampments to be more effectively enforced and removed.
"The site at Lodge Road will provide eleven pitches and be suitably screened with its own access."
The benefits of the council having suitable provision are demonstrated by the amount of encampments over the past three years, which shows a steady reduction:
- 2013: 101 encampments involving 358 caravans
- 2014: 27 encampments involving 652 caravans
- 2015: 13 encampments involving 27 caravans
Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet meets on July 23 and is being asked to approve expenditure of £170,000 for the provision of the additional provision.
The scheme will be funded from the re-phasing of the existing capital programme for Development, Business and Employment.
