Monmouthshire Council’s cabinet today (Wednesday 26th July, 2023) announced that consultation on the selection of potential sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation will be deferred to allow more consideration, following feedback about the shortlisted sites at last week’s People Scrutiny committee.

Council-owned sites in Mitchel Troy and Manson Heights which were shortlisted for consultation have been deemed to be unsuitable for this use due to access and other issues, while shortlisted sites in Magor and Undy require more investigation to ascertain their suitability for any future development. 

Monmouthshire has an assessed need for 13 long term pitches for Gypsy and Traveller households to be included in the Local Development Plan for the County, along with land allocations for new homes and employment sites.

As no proposals have come from the Gypsy and Traveller Community or from local landowners at this stage, the Council has again appealed for owners of potential sites to come forward as well as a call to all residents of Monmouthshire to propose potential sites. In tandem with this appeal, is continuing to explore appropriate sites on Council-owned land.

Councillor Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said: “We have an obligation to provide a very small number of pitches as part of our renewed commitment to providing affordable housing in Monmouthshire. I am grateful to the members of the Scrutiny Committee and to Councillors from all parties who engaged in the shortlisting process. We are committed to providing successful small sites where members of the Gypsy and Traveller community can settle, work, and send their children to school.”

The Council has confirmed that there will be a consultation process launched when sites have been identified for inclusion in the Replacement Local Development Plan. Before any site can be built planning permission will need to be secured, and there will be consultation with potential residents and the local community at every stage.

If you would like to suggest a site for consideration please contact HousingRenewals@monmouthshire.gov.uk by 23^rd August 2023.