Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Housing Services in relation to the above.

(Appendix and Correspondence attached)

Submitted - a report of the Head of Housing Services in relation to the above.

The Housing Strategy and Development Manager reported that the Gwynedd and Anglesey Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment 2016 has identified unauthorised encampments in Holyhead, creating a need for a temporary stopping site.

The Consultation process focused on three sites:-

Site 1 - Vacant Plots, Penrhos Industrial Estate, Holyhead;

Site 2 - Land immediately to the east of B & M, Holyhead;

Site 3 - Land to the south of Alpoco.

The Housing Strategy and Development Manager reported that following a thorough consultation process, significant factors were highlighted, which suggested the three sites were unsuitable for a Temporary Stopping Place for gypsies and travellers. She further reported that meetings were held with Holyhead Town Council as well as Community Councils in Valley and Trearddur. She stated that there was evidence from the consultation exercise that there was a continued need for a site for gypsy and travellers in Holyhead, due to the volume of travellers passing through the port.

The following matters were raised by Members:-

•  Concern was expressed about gypsy and traveller communities locally, and the prejudices they encounter from racism and being misunderstood by local people. It was noted that the Council has a duty to allay fears about prejudices and counter racist attitudes raised during the consultation.

The Assistant Chief Executive responded that this response towards gypsies and travellers is not unusual, and is based on a mixture of valid comments, perceptions and prejudices, since not all gypsies and travellers integrate into the local community.  It will take time to overcome prejudices and gain trust. The gypsy travellers who stay for a night or two in Holyhead are based elsewhere, and visit Holyhead for a brief period as they travel to Ireland; it is therefore unlikely that opportunities will emerge for them to get to know local people, though we still need to raise awareness and tackle prejudice.

•  It was noted that travelling patterns between Holyhead and Ireland would need to be assessed. Stena, who own a large amount of land in Holyhead, as a port authority, have a responsibility to be involved in finding a solution. The Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive will seek to hold discussions with Stena.

•  A question was raised as to why the sites deemed unsuitable were not identified as unsuitable earlier. It was noted that the process was started in January and the Council had to adhere to the Local Development Plan schedule.

•  Members referred to the graph showing a wider area for a possible site outside the Holyhead town catchment. It was confirmed that the site has to be on the A55 corridor within close proximity to Holyhead.

A new consultation exercise will take place in the coming months to identify suitable sites for a temporary stopping place in Holyhead.

RESOLVED to recommend to the Executive that the Executive approves the 4 recommendations contained within the report in order that they may be implemented.