‘Public to have a say’

THE reasons for Bacup becoming the latest location for a proposed travellers site have been outlined - and residents have been told their views will be listened to.

Council leader Alyson Barnes says the five hectare site, at Futures Park, Bacup, has the advantage of being on council-owned land.

She said: “There are a number of thoughts behind it. It is currently a site travellers use when toing and froing. They use it already, if we create a site elsewhere they could carry on using it.

“If they are on council land there is a likelihood of the site being brought forward, if it is private land it may be more difficult.

“And we are close to hand if there are any issues or problems.”

A previously discussed site at Whitworth was dismissed because some of the land was privately owned, added Coun Barnes. While another at Sharneyford was ruled out because it had flooding ●● Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes issues and was again privately owned.

A six-week consultation about the latest site begins on August 23. Dates for two consultation events at Futures Park in September will be released soon.

The Local Plan is a framework all councils must create with policies and proposals for how land will be used to meet development needs.

It covers areas such as housing, business and the environment.

Coun Barnes said: “Residents will absolutely get the chance to be listened to.

“I would say respond, it will be passed on to the Planning Inspectorate who SEE Scribbler on p8 will look at objections.”

Rossendale council released a lengthy statement about the issue on Tuesday.

It said: “The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2016 has identified a need to provide a stopover site for four transit pitches, comprising eight caravans, that is available for use by gypsies and travellers.

“There have been calls for us to work with neighbouring authorities and we have contacted all of them to establish whether they could accommodate some of our identified needs. To date none have responded to say they are able to do so.

“We are aware of the intense public debate being generated. We are committed to being transparent and working with the public on this.”

The statement also said the council was required to identify what traveller sites are needed in the borough to have its Local Plan approved.