The report sets out the background to a range of issues on the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites in Billington and makes a recommendation as to how the issues could be resolved in the longer term.  The report seeks approval for the Council to begin formal consultation on the recommended and alternative proposals.

1.         That the start of formal public consultation on the recommended proposal be approved to:

·         acquire both Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites, using a Compulsory Purchase Order, if required;

·         acquire land, as close to the current site as possible, to build a new Council owned and managed Gypsy and Traveller site;

·         dismantle the existing sites and apply for change of use on completion of a new site;

and alternative proposals.

2.         That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising of the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that presented the background to a range of issues on the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites in Billington.  The report also sought approval to commence a public consultation on proposals designed to replace the current sites with a new Council run facility.

In response to comments during the public participation, the Executive Member for Community Services thanked Billington Parish Council for their support.  This was the start of the public consultation and residents living on the sites and living in the area would have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Council’s proposals.  Officers were hoping to speak to every resident living on the sites and welcomed the suggestion that these residents were prepared to cooperate with the Council.  The latest census carried out during week commencing 24 July 2017 indicated that 112 caravans were on the sites, which was an increase of 12 since January 2017.  He acknowledged that the previous planning permissions which had been granted on appeal had led to enforcement issues and that there were no plans other than to return the existing facilities to agricultural use.

The Deputy Executive Member for Corporate Resources explained that there had been numerous issues with both Greenacres and The Stables.  The Council was working with all the relevant agencies to tackle the problems that had arisen at these sites. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to receive feedback to be able to make an informed decision at a future Executive with a view to maintaining a well managed and compliant gypsy and traveller site in the area and improve the quality of life for residents on the sites and the surrounding community.

RESOLVED

1.            that the start of formal public consultation on the recommended proposal be approved to:

·         acquire both Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites, using a Compulsory Purchase Order, if required;

·         acquire land, as close to the current site as possible, to build a new Council owned and managed Gypsy and Traveller site;

·         dismantle the existing sites and apply for change of use on completion of a new site;

and alternative proposals; and

2.    that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising of the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The decision was unanimous.