Agenda item

To consider a confidential report by Councillor Tony Thomas, Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and Environment (copy enclosed) regarding proposals for the location of residential and transit Gypsy and Traveller sites together with associated planning, funding and communication matters.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve undertaking pre-planning consultation and subsequent full planning applications (taking into consideration the outcomes of the pre-planning exercise) for the residential and transit Gypsy and Traveller sites on the Green-gates Farm East site in the locations indicated in Appendix 1 to the report, and

(b)       approve the submission of funding bids to the Welsh Government in respect of proposals for residential and/or transit Gypsy Traveller sites subject to planning consent being granted in line with the programme outlined in paragraph 4.11 of the report.

Councillor Tony Thomas presented the confidential report regarding proposals for the location of residential and transit Gypsy and Traveller sites to meet statutory obligations together with associated planning, funding and communication matters.

Local authorities in Wales were required to undertake a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) and make provision if a need was identified.  The GTAA had identified the need for one permanent residential site and one transit site and the report outlined progress made in identifying potential sites, advised on discussions with Welsh Government regarding the potential for closely located residential and transit sites and detailed options to consider going forward.  It was proposed to locate both sites at Green-gates Farm East near St. Asaph and to consult on that proposal and submit funding applications to Welsh Government to develop the proposed facilities subject to planning permission.

Cabinet acknowledged the statutory responsibilities in meeting the needs identified and recognised the comprehensive work carried out to date.  Having considered the viability of the particular sites identified Cabinet supported the proposal for both sites to be located at Green-gates Farm East and recommended actions in order to meet the timescales in which to apply for grant funding from the Welsh Government.  It was noted that some assurance in terms of securing future funding could be taken from the Minister’s letter as detailed in appendix to the report.  Officers responded to a number of issues raised by Councillor Peter Scott regarding the viability assessments of particular sites and why Green-gates Farm East was considered more suitable than the other sites.  Councillor Scott also sought assurances that a thorough public consultation would be carried out and officers confirmed the statutory planning consultation process would apply.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve undertaking pre-planning consultation and subsequent full planning applications (taking into consideration the outcomes of the pre-planning exercise) for the residential and transit Gypsy and Traveller sites on the Green-gates Farm East site in the locations indicated in Appendix 1 to the report, and

(b)       approve the submission of funding bids to the Welsh Government in respect of proposals for residential and/or transit Gypsy Traveller sites subject to planning consent being granted in line with the programme outlined in paragraph 4.11 of the report.

Councillor Richard Mainon voted against the above resolution.