Council submits travellers site planning application
COUNCIL chiefs have submitted a first phase planning bid for a controversial travellers site on the outskirts of Menai Bridge.
Anglesey Council officers, following months of searching, have earmarked land near the the Penhesgyn recycling centre at Penmynydd to rehouse what they describe as “new age travellers” now living on a lay-by on the A5025, near Pentraeth.
Residents living near Penhesgyn have hit out at its selection, with concerns over highway safety and public health, as well as its relative isolation from schools, shops and other amenities.
But following a long-running process over the past 18 months, officials are forging ahead with the plans.
While those living in the existing makeshift camp, descibed as ‘tolerated’ by council officers, do not pay any rent, they will be expected to do so at the new facilities.
Council officials, in public meetings, have reiterated that having an official travellers site will strengthen their hand in the eyes of the law if the need ever came to move on those living in unauthorised encampments.
The screening application, which is the precursor to a full planning bid, notes: “The proposal would involve the provision of four pitches to form a permanent residential site for travellers.
“While the final design of the pitches will be established following consultation with the New Traveller community, each residential pitch would require an amenity block including WC, bathroom, kitchen, store room and dining areas.
“They would also be connected to water supply and other services with each pitch with hard-standing to accommodate a living vehicle.
“Each pitch will require a small plateau, roughly 20 metres x 20 metres with direct access to a new access road that will connect to the Penhesgyn Recycling Centre access road and the local road network.”
The consultation process to select a suitable site was slammed last year with council officials accused of “rushing through” the plans without discussing with locals.
But Housing and Social Services portfolio holder, Cllr Aled MorrisJones, said: “We’ve learnt lessons from the process and the drop-in ses- sions proved to be extremely useful. The need for official sites is something that’s been imposed upon us, but it’s right and proper these people’s rights are respected.
“However, after these sites have been set-up, the onus will be on those living there to also respect the facilities and the local area. It works both ways.”
The authority is also finalising plans in the Holyhead and central Anglesey areas, which would be used as temporary stopping sites, designated for the gypsy community as they travel to and from Ireland.
Officers have been forced to bring in the permanent and temporary gypsy and travellers sites due to new legislation introduced at Cardiff Bay.
The Welsh Government is expected to contribute at least part of the cost when the business case is submitted.
A full planning application for the Penhesgyn site is expected to be submitted shortly.