Decision details

Update on potential sites for a temporary stopping site

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Over the last six months, especially considering the impact of the global pandemic there has been a significant amount of change and as part of this the Council is reviewing how it delivers services in the future and how it can maximise the benefits of revenue opportunity from existing assets, which include some potential sites previously identified for use.

 

There has been significant interest from stakeholders and local residents regarding a temporary tolerated site including commentary on suitability of sites, level of need and other locations.  In order to capture this information and understand the views of all those with an interest in temporary stopping sites a robust engagement process is required.

 

The identification of possible temporary stopping sites has previously been restricted to land owned by Thanet District Council, a change in process has the potential to widen the scope for other sites to be identified.

 

The Local Plan has recently been adopted and is now subject to a review process. Part of this process has a defined consultation and the ability to place a general call to landowners to put forward sites for specific use.

Decision:

Cabinet agreed the following:

 

  1. That the identification of appropriate tolerated stopping sites becomes part of the Local Plan review;

 

2.  That Officers continue with an officer and partner group, working with known groups of gypsies and travellers to address site access and behaviours.

Reasons for the decision:

The recommendations provide the most appropriate way in which maximise the opportunity to seek appropriate sites and provide purposeful community consultation.

Alternative options considered:

To continue to progress the two identified sites for suitability and consultation was rejected as the Local Plan Review process was deemed a more suitable response.

Publication date: 18/09/2020

Date of decision: 17/09/2020

Decided at meeting: 17/09/2020 - Cabinet

Effective from: 26/09/2020

Accompanying Documents: