Attempt to block Rothwell traveller site plan is rejected

In February, people gathered to protest against the proposed temporary travellers' site

An attempt to block a plan for a controversial travellers' site has been voted down by councillors.

An opposition politician at North Northamptonshire Council proposed a motion which suggested pausing plans for the greenfield site beside the A14 near Rothwell, and looking at alternative locations instead.

Seven councillors quit the ruling Conservative Party over the proposals.

The council says the site is the "most appropriate location".

Nineteen councillors voted in favour of independent Jim Hakewell's motion but 29 voted against, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Eight members abstained at the full council meeting on Thursday.

Despite the resounding disapproval from the Conservative majority, no councillors stood in the chamber to express their views on the matter.

It came after a petition started by Cedwien Brown - one of the councillors to quit the Tory party and now standing as an independent - was signed by more than 1,300 people.

The travellers' site would be built next to junction three of the A14

North Northamptonshire's gypsy and traveller local plan aims to find accommodation across the district up until 2041, to meet the "identified needs of the community and ensure high standards of provision".

A consultation on the draft plan is set to take place soon, with the final document proposed for adoption in March 2026.

Putting forward the motion, Mr Hakewill had said: "The conclusion that Rothwell green space should be destroyed, and destroyed it will be, as a result of a behind-closed-doors evaluation of potential locations completely outside any local planning formal process, completely eliminates any confidence in the way that decisions are being made."

Fellow independent Martin Griffiths also raised concerns about funding the £1.3m scheme near Rothwell, with the council's finances "at such a stretch" after it exceeded its 2023-24 budget by £11m.

Under plans for the site, rent costs would be charged to travellers using pitches.

It is expected to cost the council upwards of £2m over a ten-year period.

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