Bid to renew powers to move illegal encampments to Smethwick transit site
A bid to renew powers to move illegal traveller encampments to a temporary transit site in Sandwell has been launched.
Sandwell Council created the transit site off Boulton Road and Foundry Lane, near Black Patch Park, in September 2017
The authority is now bidding to renew the site again for a further three years.
The transit site unlocked powers that allowed police to move on encampments on public land. They can direct groups to a transit site where they must pay rent and a deposit, or the groups are forced to leave the borough.
Sandwell Council has this month submitted new plans for the proposed renewal of the temporary travellers site for up to 34 caravans, with associated toilet and washroom facilities.
If approved, the site would be in operation until late 2023.
The site off Boulton Road had previously been empty following the demolition of housing.
The planning application states: "On March 13, 2017, a three-year temporary planning permission was granted for the establishment of a travellers transit site accommodating up to 34 caravan pitches.
"As part of the site being established, the siting of a 20 foot container, converted to toilet and washroom facilities was undertaken. The site is secured with 1.8 metre palisade fencing.
"This proposal seeks a further three years temporary planning permission for this site."
Sandwell Council has previously been praised in the House of Commons for their approach in dealing with unauthorised encampments.
A Sandwell Council spokesman said: ‘The provision of our travellers transit site forms a key part of our process to successfully manage unauthorised encampments when they occur in Sandwell and provide travellers with an alternative place to stay.
"Our approach to tackle these issues has led to national interest with other Local Authorities in England visiting Sandwell to understand our approach and implement similar sites within their own Boroughs.
“Sandwell Council is committed to ensuring that local residents feel safe and protected in their own communities and ensuring that Sandwell has a reputation for focussing on what really matters in people’s lives and communities.
"The traveller transit site likewise provides travellers with a dedicated safe and secure site where they can stay for up 28 days should they wish to visit and stay in Sandwell. We are seeking an extension to the planning permission for the transit site so this good work can be continued."
The new planning application for Sandwell comes after Wolverhampton and Dudley councils recently approved plans for their own temporary travellers sites.
Work is expected to start imminently on a £280,000 site in Budden Road, Coseley, after Dudley Council gave the green light to the plans again last week.
It is expected to be ready by late spring.
While in Wolverhampton, controversial plans for the £1 million site in Gorsebrook Road were backed earlier this year.
The land in Whitmore Reans will be used for the transit site – despite almost 120 objections being submitted.
A decision will be made on the Sandwell plans to renew the site in the coming months.
