Plans for new Gypsy and Traveller pitches at sites near Westbury have been endorsed by Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet.
Two sites, on fields at Housecroft Farm in Edington, form part of the Housecroft Farm estate and are situated at its eastern end along Edington Road and Bratton Road to the south-west. They would provide space for no more than two pitches each as part of a plan to create 128 permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and nine plots for travelling showpeople across the county by 2038.
At Sand Pit Lane in Dilton Marsh, where a lawful Gypsy and Traveller site exists at the Poplars, the council has suggested the creation of two additional pitches. However, highway and access improvements will be required due to the narrow carriageway in the area, according to council documents.
An additional pitch is also proposed at Capps Lane in Bratton on an existing Gypsy and Traveller site. Meanwhile, on land opposite the Laurels in Heywood, the council’s plan suggests the creation of three additional showpeople plots specifically for the site’s growing population. Currently, there are five lawful plots and an area for storing equipment at the Laurels for travelling showpeople.
Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has endorsed the draft Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document, which will now be presented to Full Council on Tuesday 25th February for approval.
Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning said, “Like all Local Planning Authorities, we have a statutory duty to provide land to meet the accommodation needs of Wiltshire’s Gypsies and Travellers, including the allocation of sites in development plans.
“The approved plan sets out how these needs will be met, and I’m pleased that Cabinet has agreed to take it forward today for approval by Full Council on 25th February.
“Following the public debate in the Cabinet meeting, we will request that, when assessing the proposed allocations within the plan, the Inspector takes into account any additional supply of pitches that have been approved since the Regulation 19 consultation.
“We received more than 650 responses to our consultation, which was held from 20th August to 4th October last year, and we also held five in-person engagement events around the county and one online event to enable people to find out more.
“The Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document is a key part of our strategy to meet the housing needs of all community members, including Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople. It helps us fulfil our obligations and plan for sustainable growth in accordance with national policy while also meeting our Business Plan commitment to live well together in cohesive communities.”
Pictured: Map of area and allocated area, Land near Housecroft Farm included in the council plan
