Planning application for gypsy and traveller transit site
Telford & Wrekin Council has submitted a planning application to change the use of the Ketley Community Recycling Centre into a gypsy and traveller transit site.
The proposed site would be to provide accommodation for up to 14 families on a transit basis only.
Until recently, the Council has had a temporary transit site at Snedshill but this has not been used by any gypsy and travellers.
However, having the site provision available enables the police to successfully address illegal encampments across the borough and has lead to a reduction in disruption to local communities and businesses.
Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for public protection, said: “The Council has a legal obligation to provide sites for both permanent and transit accommodation for gypsies and travellers.
“By providing this site, we can reduce the number of unlawful encampments elsewhere in the borough and also ensure that any such encampments are moved on quickly by the police.
“Tenants on the site will pay rent and a deposit to cover any damage.”
As long as planning permission is granted, the new use site is likely to open for operation in late 2017.
