Controversial Anglesey Traveller site moves a step closer

Council chiefs have submitted a first phase planning bid for a controversial Travellers site.

Anglesey Council officers have earmarked land near the Penhesgyn recycling centre at Penmynydd to re-house what they describe as “New Age Travellers” currently living on a lay by on the A5025 near Pentraeth.

But the location has raised concerns among residents over highway safety and public health, as well as its relative isolation from schools, shops and other amenities.

Those living in the existing makeshift camp will be expected to pay rent at the new facilities.

The screening application, which is the precursor to a full planning bid to be submitted shortly, says: “The proposal would involve the provision of four pitches to form a permanent residential site for Travellers.

“While the final design of the pitches will be established following consultation with the New Traveller community, each residential pitch would require an amenity block including WC, bathroom, kitchen, store room and dining areas.

“They would also be connected to water supply and other services with each pitch with hard-standing to accommodate a living vehicle.

“Each pitch will require a small plateau, roughly 20 metres x 20 metres with direct access to a new access road that will connect to the Penhesgyn Recycling Centre access road and the local road network.”

The consultation process to select a suitable site was slammed last year with council officials accused of “rushing through” the plans without discussing them with locals.

But housing and social services portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Morris-Jones, said: “We’ve learnt lessons from the process, and the drop-in sessions proved to be extremely useful.

“The need for official sites is something that’s been imposed upon us but it’s right and proper these people’s rights are respected.

“However, after these sites have been set-up, the onus will be on those living there to also respect the facilities and the local area. It works both ways.”

The authority is also finalising plans for temporary stopping sites in the Holyhead and Central Anglesey areas designated for use by members of the Gypsy community as they travel to and from Ireland.

Officers have been instructed to create permanent and temporary Gypsy and Traveller sites under new legislation introduced at Cardiff Bay.

The Welsh Government is expected to contribute at least part of the cost when the business case is submitted.