Gypsy sites rejected (From Gazette Series)

Gypsy sites rejected

1:02pm Friday 4th July 2008 in Search By Standard reporter

COUNCILLORS have rubber stamped a recommendation not to pursue any of the controversial locations put forward for gypsy sites in North Wiltshire.

The district council's executive last night confirmed the announcement of a week ago that none of the potential sites at Wootton Bassett, Chippenham and Calne were suitable.

Residents, who were at the Olympiad in Chippenham for the meeting, had campaigned hard against the proposals claiming that they would mean an increase in antisocial behaviour and crime.

The sites were eventually ruled out because of objections from highways and the Environment Agency over access and flooding issues.

NWDC is now expected to hand the problem over to the new unitary authority next year to allow it to be shared by the whole county.

The executive's decision could also mean the families living on an illegal site at Minety are allowed to stay for good.

A planning appeal is due to start on Tuesday after the gypsies failed to win planning permission earlier this year. They were allowed to remain temporarily while the council found them an alternative location.

A council spokesman explained: "Failing to provide a permanent site for the gypsies and travellers within the district within a reasonable timescale will severely undermine the council's ability to control unauthorised developments of this nature within the open countryside."