Plans by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) to gain law-making powers over the location of gypsy and traveller sites would work to the disadvantage of local people, warns Clwyd West MP, David Jones.
WAG is seeking a Legislative Competence Order (LCO) from Westminster to enable it to compel local councils to make provision for gypsy and traveller sites in their areas.
The issue is especially important in Abergele, where the draft Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) controversially makes provision for a traveller site on the edge of the town. The LDP is now in course of revision and a revised Deposit Plan is due to be published for consultation in 2010.
David Jones said:
“Abergele people are extremely concerned that the draft LDP already published makes provision for a traveller site in an entirely inappropriate position on the edge of town.
“WAG’s proposals in the Housing LCO, however, include seeking powers from Westminster to legislate in this area. The WAG deputy Housing Minister, Jocelyn Davies, said in evidence to the Welsh Select Committee last week that WAG wants power to compel local authorities to make provision for gypsies and travellers ‘if there is a properly assessed and clearly identified need’.
“The issue of whether there is an identified need should be in the hands of local people, not with the Cardiff-based Assembly Government. WAG, however, wants the right to remove discretion from local authorities.
“The decision as to where gypsy and traveller sites should be located is one that should be made by local authorities, who are more responsive to the concerns of local people. It would not be right for WAG to dictate to local people whether a site is needed, and where it should be located.
“I am extremely concerned by WAG’s proposal and intend to do all I can to oppose it.”
