CONTROVERSIAL proposals to create gipsy sites in Chester and Ellesmere Port have been discussed at a meeting.
Councillors, angry protesters and residents gathered at the HQ Building in Chester last night to discuss a ‘call-in’ put forward by Labour opposition councillors.
Controversial proposals for sites in Neston and Saughall were abandoned in November, after residents questioned the sites’ suitability.
The Labour Group called in the decision to ditch the plans – despite supporting the withdrawal.
They have accused the Tory-led authority of causing ‘upset and distress’ by choosing ‘unsuitable’ sites for proposed gipsy and traveller pitches.
But council bosses have followed through with plans to create a site on Bumpers Lane, Chester and the Rossmore Industrial Estate in
Ellesmere Port.
They say the sites are necessary to close a planning 'loophole' which has led to many planning applications and retrospective planning applications being approved on appeal.
However, council bosses have moved to reassure concerned residents as they say no definite decision has been reached on the sites and said there would be a full consultation before any plans are approved.
The corporate scrutiny committee had requested the executive to relook at the decision in light of acknowledged weaknesses and widespread concern in relation to the consultation process and also to improve the gipsy and traveller strategy point. It also decided to request that the executive reconsider the decision to proceed with the four remaining sites.
l A full report of the meeting will be in tomorrow’s Leader.