People in Copeland are urged to tell the council what they think about plans for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Whitehaven.
Land between the Sneakyeat Industrial Estate and Cumbria Sports Academy at Hensingham has been identified as the most suitable area for a permanent site and now people can take part in the latest round of consultation, which will run until August 24.
Andy Pratt, Copeland council’s portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: “We are legally required to identify land to meet the needs of all communities, including Gypsies and Travellers.
“A county-wide assessment showed Copeland needs 12 residential pitches, and an earlier consultation, plus other evidence, helped us identify Sneckyeat as the most suitable site.
“The current consultation asks for views on allocating the site for this use. It is not asking about the detail of how the site would look or be managed – these issues would be dealt with if and when a developer chooses to buy the land and apply for planning permission to develop it for this purpose.”
The responses will be considered directly by the Planning Inspectorate – which has the ultimate say on Copeland’s final proposals for its Local Plan, which will include its recommendations for the Gypsy and Traveller site.
The Local Plan for 2021-2038, once finalised, will guide future development in Copeland.
Objections have already been lodged against the plans.
Whitehaven Town Council objected and said a more rural area would be suitable.
Copeland Council has prepared a list of frequently asked questions about the Gypsy and Traveller site plans, which are below. Questions about the process should be emailed to [email protected]
