Views sought over Gypsy and traveller site plans

Three sites in Calderdale could be used to accommodate members of the Gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople communities, the council has said.

The authority was required to allocate land for members of those communities in sustainable locations, and the proposed new sites would be on Holmes Road in Sowerby Bridge, at West View Stables on Church Lane in Stainland, and at Tower Lodge, Score Hill, in Northowram, a council spokesperson said.

A series of drop-in sessions would be held so people could find out more, they added.

Scott Patient, Calderdale Council's cabinet member for climate action and housing, said it was "important that people can have their say".

According to the authority, the areas of land being considered were already within the ownership of members of the Gypsy and traveller communities.

The first of a series of events where people could ask questions about the plans would be held at The Old Library in Stainland on Tuesday between 15:30-19:00 BST, the council said.

Other events would be held on 16 April at Foundry Street Community Centre in Sowerby Bridge, on 24 April at Northowram Sports Club, and on 1 May at Halifax Town Hall.

Local residents were also being encouraged to have their say online, the council said.

There is a national requirement for councils to prepare a Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (DPD) to go alongside their Local Plans.

The DPD, when adopted, would allocate land for Gypsies and travellers and travelling showpeople in sustainable locations, meeting identified accommodation needs up to the year 2040, in line with government planning policy and legislation.

Patient, who is also deputy leader of the Labour-run council, said: "Previous consultations have helped shape a Preferred Options document.

"It's important that people can have their say to help inform the plan's next steps, ensuring the DPD balances the needs of all communities while protecting the natural and built environment."

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