Cllr David Walsh, Portfolio Holder for planning, said
“It has come to my attention that leaflets are circulating around Swanage regarding The Dorset Council Local Plan’s proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site on Land at Washpond Lane and Ulwell Road.
While we welcome residents raising awareness of the Dorset Local Plan and the opportunity to respond to our public consultation, we strongly oppose any form of racism, prejudice and discrimination. The leaflet that was circulated included the names of Councillor Suttle and Trite we would like to stress that this was not prepared or endorsed by them.
The purpose of the consultation is to gain feedback from residents, businesses and other organisations on the proposals in the Dorset Local Plan. We don’t want to discourage people from discussing the local plan but we also have a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For these reasons, people should not be distributing leaflets to raise awareness of particular issues in the plan because of the risk around spreading COVID”.
Find out about the work we do with Gypsies and Travellers.
Inappropriate comments will be removed and action taken as required.
Dorset Local Plan Gypsy site at Swnage.
I Strongly object to the development of land adjoining Ulwell road, Washbrook Lane for Gypsy housing on the following reasons:
1-This site was deemed unsuitable due to Flooding when last reviewed by DCC.
2-Access. Gypsy travelers vehicles (Lorries, towed Trailer, Caravans) by road through Corfe with restricted Road at Banks Arms Public House, combined with Traffic Lights within ten metres will result in Chaos for residents, visitors, commuters between Wareham and Swanage.
Route access via/through Swanage Town is very limited especially during Summer and School holidays. Only two routes Washbrook Lane or Shore Road. Just imagine the delays, chaos, DANGER.
The site adjoining Ulwell Road does not allow SAFE access for Lorries and Towing Vehicles.
3- Economic activities supporting Gypsy Travelers. Swanage is a small Resort Town pop 10,000 with circa 18% second homes. How could this possibly support legal economic activities for a transient population?
4- Socially. Private residences are adjacent. This causes alarm for security of homes, gardens, Gypsy Travelers choose a nomadic life, inconsistent and distinctive. This results in Social disharmony.
5- Health, Education, Social Services, Policing.
Swanage is under resourced to provide the probable special needs of Gypsy Travelers.
6- Site management. Costs will arise from regular site clearances between Travelers (as identified by DCC web) in addition to Booking Fees, Sanitation, removal of rubbish. Such costs are unlikely to be recovered from Travelers, therefore fall upon Local residents via Community charges.
7- There is no good reason for support for providing a Gypsy Traveler site at the end of a Peninsular. accessed by only one major road.
Access by Ferry?
Gerald – you will need to add this into the main consultation document at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning-buildings-land/planning-policy/dorset-council-local-plan.aspx comments made here will not be taken into account. Fiona