Decision details

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the results of the public consultation on Gypsy and Traveller Sites be noted.

2.   That the potential sites at Miller Avenue, Brooks Road, Bevan Drive, Birchwood Crescent, Keswick Drive and Atlee Road not be included in the pre-submission consultation version of the Chesterfield Borough Local Plan for the reasons set out in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.42 of the officer’s report.

3.   That the site at Hady Lane, with existing planning permission for two pitches, be included in the pre-submission consultation version of the Chesterfield Borough Local Plan as an allocation specifically for the provision of gypsy and traveller pitches.

4.   That authority be granted to the Strategic Planning Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, to investigate the suitability of the site proposed at the corner of Whittington Road and Staveley Road and, if appropriate, for the site to be included as an allocation in the pre-submission consultation version of the Chesterfield Borough Local Plan.

5.   That the Strategic Planning Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, write to Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council under the Duty to Cooperate to ask if they have capacity to absorb any unmet need for pitches, should the site at the corner of Whittington Road and Staveley Road prove unsuitable.

6.   That the Strategic Planning Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, formalise the email of support from Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group to provide a Statement of Common Ground.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

1.   For the purposes of progressing with the preparation of the emerging Chesterfield Borough Local Plan.

2.   To ensure the Hady Lane site’s continuing availability to meet identified needs for Gypsy and Traveller pitches should the existing use cease.

3.   To demonstrate that the emerging Local Plan has been prepared soundly and on the basis of appropriate evidence.

4.   To meet the requirements of the Duty to Cooperate.

5.   To minimise the risk of challenge to the Local Plan at examination.