Issue - meetings

(a)       That the findings of the North West Wales Gypsy-Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTNA) be noted; and

(b)       That the approach to develop a dedicated Gypsy-Traveller Strategy for Flintshire be endorsed.

The Head of Housing introduced the report to consider the Gypsy-Traveller Needs Assessment that would inform the development of a Gypsy-Traveller Strategy.  The Housing Strategy Manager detailed background including the Council’s involvement in the North West Wales Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), the findings of which were attached to the report.  Councillor P.J. Curtis pointed out that the privately owned site at Dollar Park was located in Holywell and not Greenfield as stated in the report.

The assessment of sites across North Wales indicated that Flintshire was the most significant provider, which raised concerns amongst Members at the lack of progress made by the other Councils in the area.  The Housing Strategy Manager commented on the expectation by the Welsh Government (WG) for all Councils to make provision where the need was identified.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment said that he would endeavour to persuade other Councils in North Wales to be as proactive as Flintshire in the provision of sites and to share the responsibility, in line with WG guidance.

Councillor A.M. Halford enquired as to the latest position on the Council owned Riverside site in Queensferry.  The Housing Strategy Manager explained that a flood risk assessment had been commissioned by the Environment Directorate and that if a positive conclusion was reached, a planning application would be submitted for the extension to the site.  Access to the site was the subject of ongoing negotiations and a small amount of WG funding would be available.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment said he was hopeful that the site would be extended with provision for a transit section.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the findings of the North West Wales Gypsy-Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTNA) be noted; and

(b)       That the approach to develop a dedicated Gypsy-Traveller Strategy for Flintshire be endorsed.