Wolverhampton traveller transit site backed by planners despite strong protests
A £1 million traveller transit site in Wolverhampton looks set to be approved after planners gave their backing despite protests from residents.
Land, off Gorsebrook Road in Whitmore Reans, has been earmarked for the transit site, which could house up to 13 families.
The plans, which have been revised, have been criticised by residents, who have repeatedly clashed with council chiefs over loss of green space, the impact on the area and access to the site, off a busy road.
More than 100 objections have been tabled against the plan which was also roundly criticised during a fractious public meeting.
WATCH how passionate meeting erupted
However, planning chiefs have recommended the proposals be approved next week.
It follows the news this week that Dudley Council has approved its own proposals for a transit site in Coseley.
Each Black Country council has sought extra powers to move on travellers from illegal encampments on public land.
Wolverhampton Council chiefs feared a city-wide injunction against unauthorised encampments would be revoked by the High Court if it does not provide a transit site.
The council claims it has addressed residents' concerns with the following amendments:
When the site is occupied it will be staffed 24/7 by a site manager
There will be a dedicated 24/7 phone line for residents available when the site is occupied
There will also be monitored CCTV in place during occupation
The maximum stay period has been reduced from 28 days to 14 days
The period of ‘no return’ has been extended from three months to 12 months
Only travellers from unauthorised encampments within the City of Wolverhampton will be escorted to the site by the police will be allowed to use the site temporarily
The planning permission will only be for the Wolverhampton Council to run as a transit site, the permission will not be able to be transferred to another party for any other development or operation
Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said: “With 113 objections and for this to still be recommended for approval concretes my view this was a done deal from the start.”
But city council cabinet member, Councillor Steve Evans, who has overseen the project, said the authority has listened to residents' views.
He said: “It’s important that we listened to our residents and considered their feedback following the consultation.
“We deferred the item to be heard at a later date to allow enough time for their views to be considered and plans to be amended accordingly.
"We have acted upon a number of the concerns they raised and put measures in place to ensure the site is safe and secure for everyone and the environment remains a key priority.”
“The council has also made key changes to the length of stay and permissions of use to reduce disruption in the area.
“I hope this provides the council’s planning committee with the reassurance that we are taking all representations into consideration.
“We have acted upon a number of the concerns they raised and put measures in place to ensure the site is safe and secure for everyone and the environment remains a key priority.
“The council has also made key changes to the length of stay and permissions of use to reduce disruption in the area.”
The Wolverhampton site has also been criticised by bosses at Wolverhampton Science Park, with the nearby Showell Road car park being used to house travellers’ other vehicles.
Business leaders there say using the site would have “negative first impressions” for delegates and other visitors.
But the report said: “Due to the anticipated infrequent use of the site, usage of the car park would be a rare occurrence with no significant impact.”
West Midlands Police has called for a trial period to monitor the usage and check the crime statistics.
Concerns had been raised in the past over fears development on the site could release methane – putting health and safety of nearby residents at risk.
The transit site application will be discussed at the planning committee meeting next Tuesday at 2pm at Wolverhampton Civic Centre.
The city council will be live streaming the planning committee meeting for the public to view here.
