COUNCILLORS have 'strongly opposed' two proposed sites for gypsy and traveller accommodation in Whitehaven and are calling for a more rural location to be considered. 

Land north of Greenbank, between Woodhouse Road and Low Road and land at Sneckyeat, between Sneckyeat Industrial Estate and the Cumbria Sports Academy, have been earmarked as potential sites by Copeland Council.

But members of Whitehaven Town Council believe the sites are too close to residential areas and feel a more rural location would be more appropriate.

At the latest town council meeting, Edwin Dinsdale, who represents Corkickle South, said: "This would be more suited to a rural area. To drop a traveller gypsy site in the middle of a highly populated town doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't make sense for the gypsies either.

"The National Park being excluded is something that gives me a bit of a bee in my bonnet because if it isn't good enough for them, why should it be good enough for the residents of Greenbank, Woodhouse and Sneckyeat?

"The National Park is full of caravan sites which is ultimately the only thing this is going to be.

"I would strongly propose that we vote against both sites. I don't like the idea of, is it Sneckyeat or is it Greenbank? It shouldn't be any in Whitehaven."

Charles Maudling, who represents Whitehaven Central, said: "A more rural area sounds right. I feel residents in the area will be up in arms about it."

Brian O'Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North, said: "Copeland have the whole of the area. What I can't understand is why Whitehaven has got both sites. You've got all those other spare areas that haven't been touched." 

Councillors voted to 'strongly oppose' the proposal because they think the sites are not fit for purpose and are too close to residential areas.

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Speaking to the Whitehaven News, Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward, said: "They would be more suited to a rural area. I think putting them in an urban area is not suitable. I think they would be more at home in a rural area. They would be better in the countryside. There are a lot of places that would be suitable."

Copeland residents are being invited to have their say on the two potential sites, as part of a consultation on a planning document that will guide development decisions in the future - the Copeland Local Plan 2021-38. 

By law, the council must meet the housing needs of all its residents - including those who identify as Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople.

A spokesperson for Copeland Council said: “We are currently carrying out a consultation exercise on the proposed Gypsy and Traveller accommodation sites in Whitehaven.

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"We welcome all feedback from the public and all views will be considered by the Council going forward.”

Residents and other interested parties can see the consultation document and comment on the potential sites on the Copeland Council website before the draft plan moves into its final stages.

The most suitable site will be added to the Local Plan as an allocation, then the full plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for a Public Examination. It is anticipated the Local Plan will be adopted in early 2023.

This part of the Local Plan consultation will end on Tuesday, May 3.

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