December 13, 2018 1.35 pm This story is over 63 months old

Council forced to buy travellers site after owner decides to sell

If approved they will look into how to maintain the site
Councillors have approved a £100,000 purchase of a travellers site they originally rejected. Photo: Google

Council leaders are set to approve a £100,000 spend for a travellers site they originally rejected to save them searching for another location.

East Lindsey District Council’s executive committee next week will decide on the future of the land on Burgh bypass.

The site was originally refused permission to become a travellers’ site by ELDC but was approved on appeal in January.

However, the owner later decided to sell the land – which risked the council losing the site from its official figures if it was sold and turned into something else.

The location of the site from above. Photo: Google.

Documents before the council next week explain: “This in effect would mean that the council would have to find, purchase and bring forward the 18 transit pitches on an alternative site within the coastal area, with its associated costs.”

It later notes: “There is no such provision in the district at the present time and this is leading to unauthorised stopping with its associated issues, especially within the coastal area of the district.”

Instead, the authority decided to look into purchasing the property themselves and put aside £100,000 – with the proviso that connecting services to the site could not exceed £35,000.

A review by the council has costed it at nearly £28,600 and so councillors have been recommended to approve the plans.

Government guidelines state that councils must make space for gypsy and traveller accommodation and in 2016 ELDC identified it had a shortfall of 20 pitches for the district.

If approved the council will then look at the costs of creating and maintaining the site.

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