The Cabinet considered the report of the Strategic Director of Health and Social Care, Planning and Economic Regeneration Director and Environmental Protection Director which summarised the findings of the Merseyside Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment together with the emerging requirements of the Partial Review of Regional Spatial Strategy. The report examined the likely implications for Sefton in relation to future additional permanent and transit pitch provision and meeting the housing and support needs of Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. It also sought delegated authority for the relevant directors to make representations on behalf of Sefton Council to the Regional Spatial Strategy Partial review consultations and subsequent Examination in Public.
This was a Key Decision and was included in the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions.
RESOLVED: That
(1) the report be noted;
(2) it be noted that there is a need to incorporate in the Council’s Core Strategy under the Local Development Framework, additional Gypsy and Traveller and potentially Travelling Showpeople pitch provision in line with the assessed need as identified in the Merseyside Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, other relevant studies and the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy policies;
(3) the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Health and Social Care and the Environmental Protection Director be authorised to respond on behalf of Sefton to the consultations around the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy Partial Review policies on Gypsy and Traveller permanent and transit pitch provision and provision for Travelling Showpeople;
(4) it be noted that further research work will be needed to identify suitable sites and engage in consultation work;
(5) further reports be submitted as details emerge as a result of discussions with sub regional and regional partners.