EPPLEWORTH ROAD (COTTINGHAM)
GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITE
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is set to consult on its proposals to improve and extend the current permanent site for gypsies and travellers at Eppleworth Road, Cottingham.
The site has been in existence since the 1980s and it has been acknowledged that it is no longer fit for purpose and work is required to bring it up to acceptable standards.
The Homes and Communities Agency, which is the national housing and regeneration delivery agency, recently awarded the council £1.2 million to improve the site. It is hoped to carry out the improvement work, which is 100 per cent funded by the Government and at no cost to the council, over the next 12 to 18 months
The council has a legal duty to provide permanent gypsy/traveller sites and this work will also be beneficial because the improvements and extension to the site will help reduce unauthorised encampments by travellers.
The proposed site also maintains current links and access to local facilities already used by the gypsy and traveller community, such as hospitals, doctors, schools, shops and other facilities.
The upgraded site will have double the number of pitches (20 instead of 10). East Riding of Yorkshire Council carried out a local needs assessment, in line with the Government's requirements, that identified the extra need. The increase in capacity will allow the council to deal more effectively with illegal encampments in and around the area.
An exhibition with information about the council's proposals for the Eppleworth Road gypsy/traveller site will take place at Cottingham Civic Hall, Market Green, Cottingham on Thursday 7th of October 2010. Exhibition displays can be viewed from 11.30am to 6.30pm on the day.
The council intends to submit a planning application in the autumn that will allow further public comment on the design and location of the site. The application will be available to view on the council website www.eastriding.gov.uk
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