Traveller site plans for Telford recycling centre

Telford & Wrekin Council wants to transform the Ketley Community Recycling Centre site into pitches for gipsies and travellers.

According to the proposals, there will be 17 pitches altogether and the site, which is situated next to a scrap yard off Whitchurch Drive, would be fully screened and have CCTV.

The plans state: "The site provides provision for 17 pitches which allow space for one caravan and one car.

"There are to be no physical boundary treatments between pitches other than ground markings to allow flexible use of the site dependant on arrival of residents and family set ups. Facilities consist of fully accessible communal toilets (male and female) with an external tap.

"The new toilets are to be brick built with a tiled roof, painted doors, raised access ramp and will be suitable for disabled use in both male and female toilets."

The council would manage the site, which would include collecting any rubbish, and tenants will be expected to pay rent in advance for their pitch as well as a deposit.

It is thought that travellers will use the site on average for about two weeks before moving on. A report, submitted with the planning application, added: "But in the event of special circumstances i.e. hospital treatment, child birth or similar the stay may be extended, to a maximum of three months." The plans have highlighted a need for additional gipsy and traveller accommodation in the borough.

The report said: "The provision of new accommodation will meet the needs of transit residents occupying the site at Snedshill and, in time, those transit residents who will be offered accommodation at the Lodge Road site extension which was granted planning permission in December 2015."

It states that the site is "relatively isolated" and would not dominate the surrounding area, adding: "The site is located close to local shops, schools, other facilities in Ketley and Wellington, including the emergency services.

"It has good access to the surrounding road network and appropriate vehicular sight lines can be provided, given the historic use of the site as a community recycling centre."

A decision is expected to be made in the upcoming months. To comment on the plans visit www.telford.gov.uk