Proposals To Create Seven Traveller Pitches In Wrexham

Proposals to create a traveller site on vacant land in Wrexham have been submitted.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it is proposed a traveller site consisting of seven pitches is created in Halton, Chirk.

The site is currently used as a horse / pony paddock and is opposite a bungalow in Halton. If planning proposals are passed by Wrexham Council the site would instead by used to provide residential pitches for travellers and also a communal facility day room.

The proposed creation of a communal facility room would contain a wash room, bathroom and a day room. Overall a total of seven parking spaces and two disabled parking spaces are proposed for the site.

In an accompanying Design and Access Statement for the application, further details are provided, with the document noting: “PPTS (Planning Policy for Traveller Sites) relates to the peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community. It is therefore considered it would be possible for the occupants of the site to integrate into the wider community over time.

“Integration happens gradually through communication between the site occupants and the settled population. This takes place through contact at schools, shops, post-offices, pubs and so on, all in Chirk. The provision of a settled base can help break down the barriers between the settled and gypsy communities.

“The proposed development would therefore provide the opportunity to promote the peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site occupants and the local community.”

Aesthetically the planning documents continue onto states that ‘measures’ will be taken to minimise any resultant impact – with the existing hedgerows and fences being retained and augmented when possible.

It is estimated that around four people per pitch would be living on the site – with seven chalets and seven touring caravans expected to be on site.

The Design and Access Statement concludes:”It is recognised there is an unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller sites as identified in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment of March last year. This proposal will contribute towards the Council reaching its target.

“The current substantial unmet need for gypsy sites, the lack of five year supply of specific deliverable sites and the ongoing failure of the Council to meet the identified need through site allocations all provide significant weight in favour of my client’s application.”

The application is expected to go before Wrexham’s Planning Committee at a later date.

Google Maps – Aerial view of Halton