Cheshire East fleshes out traveller site proposal

Cheshire East Council is issuing further information pack about its decision to set up a permanent site for gypsies and travellers in Crewe.

It said the documents, which will be issued to anyone who has contacted the council about the plans and published online, will help "inform residents in greater detail" about its proposals.

After an assessment of council-owned land, a plot off Parkers Road and Kent Lane in the Coppenhall area of Crewe was judged to be the most appropriate location.

A number of other sites along the M6 motorway corridor were considered but the Parkers Road site was thought to be the most suitable.

These included Pyms Lane, Crewe; Moss End Farm, Alsager; Saxon Cross Motel Site, Sandbach; Leighton West, Crewe; Maw Green Road, Crewe; Nursery Lane, Alsager; and Broad Lane, Nantwich.

The pack will include national guidance and legal requirements relating to the accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers; local policies; and assessment summaries from the shortlist of locations.

Cllr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member for "safer and stronger communities", said: "We hope that by publishing this pack, people will feel informed better about gypsy and traveller sites.

"As a council we have a legal duty to look at the housing needs of gypsies and travellers and assessments indicate we need to increase the number of pitches available in Cheshire East.

"We are listening to the concerns of residents. However, I would like to reassure people that no final decision has yet been made on the Parkers Road site and they will get the chance to express their views during the planning consultation period."