The Guildhall in Hull.

Consultation on gypsy and traveller sites in Hull

A report will ask Hull City Council’s Cabinet to consider proposals to consult residents and stakeholders on the provision of a gypsy and traveller stopping place in Hull and extension to the existing permanent provision.

The Cabinet report recommends consultation is undertaken with residents and groups on the proposal to extend the existing Wilmington traveller site off Bedford Street and to create a temporary stopping place on land accessed from Mount Pleasant.

Subject to the consultation, detailed site feasibility and planning approval, the proposal will deliver up to 10 new permanent pitches and up to 25 stopping places.

The Local Plan for Hull identified a shortfall in the number of traveller pitches available in the city requiring the council to provide more permanent pitches and to find a site appropriate for short stays known as stopping places.

This proposal seeks to redress the balance and honour the council’s commitment to meet the needs of the travelling community, as identified in the Local Plan. If approved consultation will take place with local stakeholders in the area to help shape the proposals.

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said, “I support this proposal because it enables us to meet the needs of the gypsy and traveller community. It will resolve the problem of unauthorised encampments around the city, all of the associated costs involved to remove them and clean up afterwards, and be less disruptive to local residents.

“We said we would look for a solution and this is our opportunity to deliver it.”