Newark: Traveller site plan for former Belvoir Ironworks site

The site of the former Belvoir Ironworks on Bowbridge Lane

A planning application has been submitted for a new Gypsy and traveller site in Newark.

Newark and Sherwood District Council plan to create 15 pitches for Gypsies and travellers at the former Belvoir Ironworks in Bowbridge Lane.

The site is one of only four which have offered to home traveller pitches since a public appeal by the council in 2013.

The other three have already been confirmed as the the sites of new pitches.

The council said: "Our Gypsy and traveller communities form a longstanding part of Newark and Sherwood's population.

"As any population grows, government legislation requires that councils across the UK plan to meet the increasing housing needs of all sections of their local community. This is no different for our Gypsy and traveller communities."

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said there are currently around 400 Gypsy and traveller pitches in Newark and Sherwood.

Mr Peacock said: "The government's current methodology means Newark and Sherwood District Council must find land for an additional 169 pitches, with the majority (103 pitches) needing to be provided within the next five years.

"By submitting this site on Bowbridge Lane for Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision, we are taking the first steps to meet this need.

"As part of the planning application process, consultees - like the environment agency and parish councils - have been approached by the district council and invited to submit their comments. Local residents also have the opportunity to comment."

Landscape plan of the proposed site on Bowbridge Lane

A planning application for the site was published last week and led to objections on the grounds of potential for flooding and fears over levels of contamination on the former industrial site.

"The planning application also includes an arboricultural report, drainage strategy, landscaping plan, an ecological appraisal survey and a flood risk assessment", said Mr Peacock.

A spokesperson from advocacy group Friends, Families and Travellers said: "Gypsy and traveller families are often left grappling for somewhere safe to go in the midst of a national shortage of safe stopping places.

"This makes accessing basic needs like sanitation, education, and healthcare more difficult, which ultimately doesn't benefit anyone.

"Everyone deserves a safe place to stop and rest, and providing much-needed sites is a starting block to ensuring everyone can access basic necessities and live free of hate and discrimination."

The application is due to be decided by the council's planning committee this spring.