Cabinet approves the submission of planning application to meet Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs

On Tuesday, 20 October, Denbighshire County Council's Cabinet approved the submission of two planning applications in Prestatyn, including plans for a permanent Gypsy, Romany and Traveller site at Marine Road.

The decision supports the council's statutory duty under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to meet accommodation needs identified in its approved Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), which is undertaken every five years.

The assessment identified a need for 12 permanent pitches across Denbighshire. Eight have since been provided on private land, leaving an outstanding need for four pitches for one family. Following a detailed assessment of potential locations, the Marine Road site was identified as the most suitable option, enabling the family, who have long standing generations and historical roots in the area of well over 100 years with more than three generations being born in the area, to remain close to their established community, support networks and local services.

Cabinet also approved the submission of a planning application for a new access road to the designated parking area serving the nearby Caradoc Road flats.

Councillor Geraint Lloyd-Williams, Lead Member for Housing, Local Development Plan and Communities said: "This decision enables the council to progress its legal duty to provide suitable accommodation for the family identified through our Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.

"A thorough assessment of potential sites has been undertaken, and the planning process will now provide an opportunity for all relevant considerations to be fully examined, with local residents able to submit their views as part of that process."

If planning permission is granted, the council will seek Welsh Government funding to support the development of the site.