Views sought on options for travellers

PLANS for permanent sites for gypsies and travellers in the borough have taken a step forward with the launch of a public consultation on Solihull Council's Preferred Options on where to create the 38 pitches it has been told to over the next 15 years.

From now until Monday, September 3 the Council is asking residents for their views on whether its Preferred Options approach is acceptable, and also giving them opportunity to comment on the proposals and sites that have been put forward.

Between 2012 and 2027, the Council is identifying sites to provide permanent and transit pitches in the borough to be delivered in two phases.

During phase 1, from 2012 to 2017, 23 pitches, and five transit pitches, are being proposed on land at Old Damson Lane, Solihull, as well five pitches at the Warren, Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green and three pitches at the Uplands, Dickens Heath Road.

During phase 2, from 2017 to 2027, 12 more pitches are proposed at the Haven, Catherine-de-Barnes Lane, Bickenhill.

Coun Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “We have now reached a milestone in terms of planning for the needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the borough.

"Despite it being an emotive subject, we have not shirked our responsibilities and our identified needs are based on robust evidence.

"As well as being something that is required of us by national government, having authorised sites available will strengthen our position should we have to deal with incidences of unauthorised sites in the future.”

The Preferred Options document and response forms are available at www.solihull.gov.uk/ldf and there will also be copies in all libraries, connect centres, children’s centres and area housing offices in the borough.

All responses to the consultation must be received no later than Monday 3 September 2012.

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