ARCHIVED news story
Council set for final phase of consultation on Gypsy and Traveller sites
Released on 06 August 2009
Chasing travelling families around the district is expensive and it isn't fair on them or the taxpayer, so that's why I'm pleased that we're making progress in addressing this issue head-on
Council Leader John Fuller
South Norfolk Council meets on Monday 10 August to consider recommendations that it begin the next and final phase of its consultation on finding Gypsy and Traveller sites.
After an exhaustive process which has seen two big consultations, the Council's Cabinet backed two preferred sites from an original list of 82, as put forward by its Gypsy and Traveller working Group.
The two permanent sites of six to eight pitches each are at Stanfield Road, Wymondham near the A11, and at Old Harleston Road, Earsham, which is close to the A143.
The Working Group also won backing from Cabinet for its recommendation that the Council discuss transit sites in the district with Norfolk County Council, which has responsibility for highways issues.
If Full Council agrees at its meeting on Monday 10 August at 2.30pm - officers and councillors will begin what is known as a "Regulation 27 consultation".
This is the final Council consultation with the communities concerned, before the Council's Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD) containing the preferred sites is sent to the Planning Inspectorate.
Next year, a Planning Inspector will begin an examination in public of the Council's DPD.
Council Leader John Fuller said:
"People look to their Council to take action to deal with unauthorised traveller encampments by the side of the road. But that means finding authorised sites to meet the need and after an exhaustive process we've narrowed the search down to two locations.
“Chasing travelling families around the district is expensive and it isn't fair on them or the taxpayer, so that's why I'm pleased that we're making progress in addressing this issue head-on."
The Regulation 27 consultation could start before the end of August.
The Council is required to find sites by Government. It remains one of the first Councils in the country to progress this issue this far.
South Norfolk Council is among the first in the queue for government grants to fund its permanent sites.
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| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533611 or 01508 533983 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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