By Chris Story

Last updated 12:06, Monday, 17 November 2008

Councillors have approved plans to create a £2m municipal gypsy and traveller site near Carlisle.

Proposals to redevelop the former gypsy and traveller site at Ghyll Bank, Low Harker, cleared a crucial hurdle after city councillors backed the project.

Funding for the scheme has, however, yet to be confirmed.

Members of the development control committee voted the plans through by six votes to two with three councillors – Ray Bloxham, David Morton and Peter Farmer – abstaining.

The decision came despite a plea by Kingmoor Parish Council’s chairman, Rob Graham, to defer making a decision until next month to allow his group to formally make its views known.

But councillors ruled they could wait no longer because the 21-day consultation period into the plans had passed and because the proposals were not sited within that parish council’s boundaries.

Mr Bloxham told colleagues he understood Rockcliffe Parish Council – in whose parish the site is – had no objections on the grounds that the site already had permission for use by travellers.

Concerns were, however, raised about confusion over promised consultation into the plans.

Although talks are expected to take place over the redevelopment of the site, councillors were told that was a separate exercise.

After hearing Kingmoor’s concerns, Mr Morton said: “I think they should be afforded the decency of consultation.”

He initially proposed deferring consideration of the plans to a later date to allow more consultation before being forced to withdraw his motion after points about the consultation period and Kingmoor’s jurisdiction were raised.

The city council wants to buy Ghyll Bank from its current owner and redevelop it to help address a shortage of suitable sites for gypsies and travellers.

The proposal had been criticised by a national gypsy group, the Gypsy Council. Some residents of Harker, Rockcliffe and Cargo have started a petition against it.

Plans show pitches for 15 caravans all with parking for two cars and a brick amenity block housing a kitchen and bathroom.

There will also be a children’s play area, secure entrance barrier and CCTV system.

A separate building would also be constructed, containing the site manager’s office, a community room, store, kitchen and toilet for the disabled.

Heine Planning Consultancy, acting on behalf of the gypsy and traveller community, had argued that the plots, amenity blocks and parking spaces are all too small.

It also said there was no room for visitors who might arrive in caravans.

The city council is waiting for government funding for the scheme, although it expects a ruling shortly.

Once the cash is confirmed, the council has promised to consult nearby residents before work starts.

CStory@cngroup.co.uk