Possible Gypsy and Traveller Site – what next?

Last week (September 23rd) saw the closure on the period of consultation about the Local Plan Part 2, the draft CW&C document that looks in detail at land use proposals in the whole of the area until 2030. As residents of Tarvin know only too well, tucked away in the middle of this large document is the list of possible gypsy and traveller sites, one of which is on Tarporley Road.

The Parish Council has sent in its own objections, a document that was heavily influenced by the comments received at the two well attended Council meetings. The residents Action Group has been working hard to deliver a very large number of individual objections from local residents. The two Borough Councillors have received many messages about this issue – Councillor Leather mentioned 500 e-mails. Both he and Councillor Deynem will have passed on their own comments on the issue.

What happens now?

It is now the job of the planners to assess the comments received and to make adjustments to the draft that they feel are necessary. It is well for Tarvin to remember that the gypsy sites issue comprises just one among many that will have to be considered before the definite plan is written and receives full Council approval. Councillor Leather seemed to indicate that this process might take a few weeks, but the Parish Council thought this sounded impractically short given the volume of submissions. However, the Parish Council will monitor the situation carefully and urges all who are interested to look regularly on the CW&C website where progress of this important document through the system will be reported. The site is www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Most residents in our Parish appear to hope that the planners will reconsider and that the site on Tarporley Road will be removed from the list of possible gypsy and traveller sites. However, if it remains a live issue then the Plan still has to go through further period of consultation, so there will be another chance to marshal arguments and to try and influence the decisions. The Parish Council will endeavour to keep everyone informed of progress.