Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports:

(a)       A costed options appraisal to be undertaken for the development of a 6 pitch transit site in Flintshire;

(b)       The review and implementation of new management arrangements at Riverside; and

(c)       A capital funding application to be made in the Summer of 2018 to Welsh Government to refurbish the Local Authority site at Riverside.

The Gypsy & Traveller Liaison Officer presented a report to seek support for a costed options appraisal to be undertaken for the development of a 6 pitch transit site in Flintshire, and for an update of the management agreement for the Council’s only existing permanent site at Riverside Park.

The report highlighted the statutory duties placed upon councils in respect of gypsies and travellers, and the benefits in providing a transit site for temporary use by gypsies and travellers passing through the area.

The refresh of the management agreement for the permanent site at Riverside was necessary to meet changes in legal requirements following which an application could be made for grant funding from Welsh Government to refurbish the site.

On a question from the Chairman, the Officer explained that the Council had no responsibility for unauthorised encampments on privately owned land but that cases brought to attention were recorded.

Councillor Dolphin referred to a particular example in her ward involving a long-term unauthorised encampment.  Councillor Attridge asked that any specific issues be raised with officers outside the meeting so that information could be treated confidentially.  Whilst he understood the concerns, he explained that significant progress had been made to the process to deal with issues more efficiently.  The Chief Officer gave a reminder of the Council’s responsibility to assess the circumstances of each case to reach an appropriate decision.

Councillor Attridge advised that concerns about security arrangements at Greenfield Dock should be passed to colleagues in Countryside Services.  During discussion on the location of the proposed transit site, it was explained that options for Council owned land were initially being explored before looking at private land availability.  Members were encouraged to pass suggested locations to officers and Councillor Reece put forward information on behalf of a private landowner.

The officer provided clarification to Councillor Shotton on the grant funding and advised that this was subject to planning permission granted on the land identified.

Councillor Johnson asked about the approach to charges for the transit site.  It was explained that learning would be taken from similar examples across the UK, although this would be the first transit site in Wales.

Councillor Wisinger pointed out that despite initial concerns about Riverside Park, there had been no significant issues.  In response to queries, Councillor Attridge said there were no plans to extend the site.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports:

(a)       A costed options appraisal to be undertaken for the development of a 6 pitch transit site in Flintshire;

(b)       The review and implementation of new management arrangements at Riverside; and

(c)       A capital funding application to be made in the Summer of 2018 to Welsh Government to refurbish the Local Authority site at Riverside.