Plans in pipeline for permanent gypsy sites across borough

Chris Willmott

19 October. Updated: 19 October 15:36

PERMANENT traveller sites could be created in Hockley Heath, Balsall Common, Meriden, Hampton and Solihull under new proposals being put forward by Solihull Council - it has been revealed this week.
The recommended sites - which include the controversial Eaves Green Lane site in Meriden - have been suggested following a period of consultation in July and August about how to cater for the needs of travellers.
The suggested sites add to a list of existing authorised gypsy sites in Earlswood, Marston Green and Bickenhill which have applied to extend or increase the number of pitches at their sites.
Solihull Council - which is required by Government to provide a certain number of pitches for travellers - will now assess and evaluate each of the sites before making a decision on whether or not to make them their preferred sites for the next stage of consultation.
Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “In no way do the results of this latest consultation determine whether or not a site should be allocated for development and we want to make it very clear that no decisions have been made in favour of any possible site at this stage.
“Each suggested site will be assessed for its potential suitability and updated evidence of need will be considered before a list of preferred sites is published for further consultation with our residents.”

The full list of sites suggested to the Council following the options paper consultation is:

* Land at School Road, Hockley Heath
* Land between Waste Lane and Old Waste Lane, Balsall Common
* Land at Eaves Green Lane, Meriden
* Land adjacent to the Pleck, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden
* Land at Damson Lane, Solihull

This list of owners of existing authorised Gypsy and Traveller sites that indicated they would like to extend and/or increase the number of pitches at their sites is:

* Land off Salter Street, Earlswood
* Canal View, off Salter Street, Earlswood
* The Warren, Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green
* The Haven, Catherine-de-Barnes Lane, Bickenhill (owner confirmation to be obtained)

The council has reiterated that its current position on the Eaves Green Lane site in Meriden remains clear in that planning permission has been refused and a subsequent appeal against that decision has been defended.
Similarly, retrospective planning permission has also been refused for an extension to an existing authorised site on land off Salter Street in Earlswood.
* What do you think? How would you feel if permanent traveller sites were created near your home? Write to or e-mail the editor at the usual addresses.