Latest news with #GypsiesandTravellers
Leader Live
23-05-2025
- Leader Live
Plans for 'Traveller' site in Ewloe rejected for third time
A planning application was lodged earlier this year in relation to land off Church Lane at Old Aston Hill in Ewloe. The application proposed a "change of use of land to a traveller's caravan site'". It would consist of one mobile home, one touring caravan, car parking, landscaping and associated works. Similar plans were rejected by Flintshire Council in 2022 and 2024, and the latest application has also been refused. The refusal comes amid concerns over "insufficient information" that the applicants "meet the definition of Gypsies and Travellers", and that the proposal would have an "adverse impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside" - both contrary to planning policy. MORE NEWS: A planning officer's report states: "In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the application contains insufficient information and does not clearly demonstrate and evidence that the applicants meet the definition of Gypsies and Travellers as set out in the Housing (Wales) Act (section 108) and is contrary to the Flintshire Local Development Plan. "As a consequence of its location the proposed development will have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside. "The proposed development fails to accord with the guidance contained within Welsh Government publication 'Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites'."
South Wales Guardian
11-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
'Slow progress' on Gypsy sites criticised by Senedd members
John Griffiths raised concerns about the poor condition of council-run sites in Wales after hearing evidence of disrepair, pollution and rat infestations destroying people's lives. The Labour politician, who chairs the Senedd's housing and local government committee, led a debate on a report following two inquiries into the provision of sites. Mr Griffiths said it too often seems the needs of Gypsies and Travellers are not prioritised. 'Some described being treated as outcasts and second-class citizens,' he warned. 'Nobody should be made to feel this way; we urgently need to see improvement. 'At heart, this is a matter of human rights…. These communities are entitled to an alternative way of life, aren't they?' Conservative Laura Anne Jones was similarly concerned by slow progress on new sites, with a 'shockingly' low number of applications from councils for grants. Her Plaid Cymru counterpart Siân Gwenllian said: 'This is a very concerning situation. Although the Welsh Government has accepted the 21 recommendations from the 2022 report – very, very little true progress has been made.' Jane Hutt said the Welsh Government shares the committee's ambition to deliver the best outcomes for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in Wales. She told the Senedd more than £2m was allocated to 14 councils for site improvements in 2024/25, with grant funding made available for buying land in 2025/26. Ms Hutt vowed to take action if councils fail to meet their duties on housing needs, warning: 'I will use my powers to enforce action against them if a resolution cannot be found.' The minister highlighted an ongoing consultation on non-statutory guidance for councils about managing Gypsy and Traveller sites, which was last refreshed a decade ago. Closing the debate on May 7, Mr Griffiths said: 'We don't have to look very far from here to see the reality of some, at least, local authority sites in totally inappropriate places, juxtaposed to busy roads, to industrial development, to waste disposal sites. 'To see families living in that way in this new millennium is hugely disappointing, so there's still a lot of work to be done here in Wales.'
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
'Slow progress' on Gypsy sites criticised by Senedd members
John Griffiths raised concerns about the poor condition of council-run sites in Wales after hearing evidence of disrepair, pollution and rat infestations destroying people's lives. The Labour politician, who chairs the Senedd's housing and local government committee, led a debate on a report following two inquiries into the provision of sites. Mr Griffiths said it too often seems the needs of Gypsies and Travellers are not prioritised. 'Some described being treated as outcasts and second-class citizens,' he warned. 'Nobody should be made to feel this way; we urgently need to see improvement. 'At heart, this is a matter of human rights…. These communities are entitled to an alternative way of life, aren't they?' Conservative Laura Anne Jones was similarly concerned by slow progress on new sites, with a 'shockingly' low number of applications from councils for grants. Her Plaid Cymru counterpart Siân Gwenllian said: 'This is a very concerning situation. Although the Welsh Government has accepted the 21 recommendations from the 2022 report – very, very little true progress has been made.' Jane Hutt said the Welsh Government shares the committee's ambition to deliver the best outcomes for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in Wales. She told the Senedd more than £2m was allocated to 14 councils for site improvements in 2024/25, with grant funding made available for buying land in 2025/26. Ms Hutt vowed to take action if councils fail to meet their duties on housing needs, warning: 'I will use my powers to enforce action against them if a resolution cannot be found.' The minister highlighted an ongoing consultation on non-statutory guidance for councils about managing Gypsy and Traveller sites, which was last refreshed a decade ago. Closing the debate on May 7, Mr Griffiths said: 'We don't have to look very far from here to see the reality of some, at least, local authority sites in totally inappropriate places, juxtaposed to busy roads, to industrial development, to waste disposal sites. 'To see families living in that way in this new millennium is hugely disappointing, so there's still a lot of work to be done here in Wales.'
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
'Slow progress' on Gypsy sites criticised by Senedd members
John Griffiths raised concerns about the poor condition of council-run sites in Wales after hearing evidence of disrepair, pollution and rat infestations destroying people's lives. The Labour politician, who chairs the Senedd's housing and local government committee, led a debate on a report following two inquiries into the provision of sites. Mr Griffiths said it too often seems the needs of Gypsies and Travellers are not prioritised. 'Some described being treated as outcasts and second-class citizens,' he warned. 'Nobody should be made to feel this way; we urgently need to see improvement. 'At heart, this is a matter of human rights…. These communities are entitled to an alternative way of life, aren't they?' Conservative Laura Anne Jones was similarly concerned by slow progress on new sites, with a 'shockingly' low number of applications from councils for grants. Her Plaid Cymru counterpart Siân Gwenllian said: 'This is a very concerning situation. Although the Welsh Government has accepted the 21 recommendations from the 2022 report – very, very little true progress has been made.' Jane Hutt said the Welsh Government shares the committee's ambition to deliver the best outcomes for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in Wales. She told the Senedd more than £2m was allocated to 14 councils for site improvements in 2024/25, with grant funding made available for buying land in 2025/26. Ms Hutt vowed to take action if councils fail to meet their duties on housing needs, warning: 'I will use my powers to enforce action against them if a resolution cannot be found.' The minister highlighted an ongoing consultation on non-statutory guidance for councils about managing Gypsy and Traveller sites, which was last refreshed a decade ago. Closing the debate on May 7, Mr Griffiths said: 'We don't have to look very far from here to see the reality of some, at least, local authority sites in totally inappropriate places, juxtaposed to busy roads, to industrial development, to waste disposal sites. 'To see families living in that way in this new millennium is hugely disappointing, so there's still a lot of work to be done here in Wales.'
BBC News
25-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wiltshire: Debate on plan for Gypsy and Traveller sites deferred
A key debate on plans to provide dozens of permanent pitches for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling show people in Wiltshire has been postponed by plan, which outlines provision for 128 new permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and nine plots for travelling show people by 2028, was due to be discussed at a meeting on the council said it needed more time to consider points raised by local Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "This is a difficult decision, but we felt it was right to defer the decision about whether the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document is ready to be submitted for examination." 'Important document' Wiltshire currently has about 380 pitches and plots for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling show people on 85 of Wiltshire Council's planned pitches would be created by expanding existing sites, while others would be on four new sites across the county. Botterill added: "We feel we need more time to further consider the plan and the points raised by our local communities."This is an important document for Wiltshire, so it is vital that we get it right and that sufficient time be given to scrutinise and consider local residents' concerns."Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide land to meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. Wiltshire Council says the plan is designed to ensure these needs are met while also addressing concerns from residents.
