Efford Gypsy and Traveller site plans scrapped

Councillors at Plymouth City Council have decided to scrap plans to develop a Gypsy and Traveller site at Military Road in Efford.

Part funding and planning permission had been secured for a 10 pitch site but now councillors believe a historic commitment not to develop the site for this purpose should be honoured. Instead, it is intended to protect the land from development by creating a wildlife area.

In August 2011, the Council's Cabinet gave in principle support to the Efford site and asked officers to undertake a tendering exercise to identify a preferred bidder to acquire a lease and develop it. This process failed to find a suitable bidder.

Agreement has now been reached with the Homes and Communities Agency to switch £516,000 funding previously ear marked for the Efford site to carry out improvements at the Ride, Plymouth's only current official Gypsy site. This ensures the refurbishment plans can be fully funded without using council tax money.

The search for suitable sites to meet Plymouth's need for more permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches will continue as part of the process of agreeing the Plymouth Plan. This decision will not affect plans for a transit site at Broadley Park.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Community Development said "After the previous site at Efford closed more than 40 years ago, the Council agreed that this particular land would not be used as a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site again.

"However, a scheme was brought forward by the last Council administration for the site which was not affordable, even with substantial public subsidy. This administration is prepared to honour that original commitment, given by Councillor Creber, for this site and will not enter into long term financially unviable developments. We need to provide more Gypsy and Traveller sites, but Efford is not appropriate."

Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "This site will now be enhanced and protected for wildlife. We have secured funding to make this happen which means the site will now be protected from any development in the future. We still have significant need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in Plymouth and finding suitable locations is essential. This will be an important part of the development of the Plymouth Plan and any detailed proposals will be the subject to thorough consultation."