Agenda item

9.1

The Director of Regeneration and Development Services submitted a report in relation to a breach of planning control in respect of a New Age Travellers Encampment at Wallace Road and setting out the options available to remedy the breach.

9.2

The report stated that the land was cleared of unauthorised occupation in 2005 but since then, occupation by New Age Travellers (NATS) had incrementally increased over time.

9.3

As the NATS had been on site since 2005, there was a concern that there was potential for residential use to become authorised under Town Planning legislation and potentially adversely affect the Parkwood Springs Regeneration Masterplan that was being prepared for future use of the Parkwood Springs area.

9.4

The report concluded that Town Planning powers could be used to regain possession of the land but, as the Council was the landowner, the success of any action could ultimately revert to its use whatever means it had to comply with any notice served.

9.5

Given that the Council had the power to gain possession of the land without resort to planning powers, it was recommended that Members confirmed that Planning Enforcement action be not taken at this time.

9.6

RESOLVED: That, in the circumstances now reported, no action be taken in respect of the New Age Travellers Encampment at Wallace Road.