Plans for Walsall traveller transit site unveiled

Walsall Council has submitted a planning application seeking approval to create a facility on disused authority-owned land off Narrow Lane in Pleck.

If given the go-ahead, the site will have space for six caravans, 12 cars, a fresh water tap and male and female showers.

A one-way traffic system is proposed, with access off Darlaston Road, while a pedestrian path will also be created.

Council bosses said the site, which will have permission to run for three years, was necessary to deal with a raft of illegal incursions experienced across the borough in the past few years.

But the plans sparked anger in the community, with residents, business owners and councillors furious they weren’t consulted prior to a cabinet decision being made to select the site.

They stressed they were not against the traveller community but argued the location was unsuitable citing issues including pollution, traffic and impact on services.

Council leader Mike Bird said the authority said it had been looking at a site in private ownership but that hadn’t materialised and added Pleck was the only suitable site it owned for fulfilling the legal obligation to provide a facility.

He added most concerns raised would be addressed through the planning process.

During a four-hour scrutiny committee meeting, where the issue was discussed after the cabinet decision was ‘called in’, traveller Abiline McShane said they were not “not wanted anywhere”.

In the planning application, Walsall Council said: “Throughout the years Walsall Council have seen increasing amounts of gypsy, Roma and traveller (GRT) community visiting Walsall.

“The design of this site could provide a safer and more practical means for the GRT community using the facilities intended for them.

"After assessment by Walsall, the site was determined to be used for a temporary three-year basis.

“The site location is practical and can accommodate the GRT community with the necessities required such as local amenities, primary and secondary schools, healthcare, welfare and employment all within the immediate surrounding area and in result a functional site can be achieved.

“The temporary option was preferred over the permanent option as this would give Walsall the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the transit site.

"It would also offer further time to confirm the most suitable site for longer term, permanent provision within the borough.”

A decision on whether to grant planning permission or not for the transit site is expected to be made in May.