Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs - Site Options Consultation

Scoping of Site Options to inform Site Selection

Introduction

The Council has identified a need[1] to provide for a new gypsy and traveller site in the Welshpool area. The need to find a suitable site for gypsy and traveller accommodation has been included in work to date on the Powys Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) (2022-2037)[2].

The new site must accommodate 12 no. new mobile home pitches and potentially have scope for future expansion. The Council is required to follow published Welsh Government guidance[3] when planning and developing this type of site. Each pitch has certain requirements, for example every pitch should have access to an amenity block together with hardstanding provision. It is calculated that a site of at least1.2 hectares is required.

Subject to gaining planning permission and available funding (Welsh Government can grant fund this type of site) the new site is expected to be completed over the period 2026- 2027.

The Council has investigated its own land holdings in the Welshpool vicinity to see if a suitable site may be available on Council-owned land. From this work a number of sites/search areas have been selected as potential options.

The Council is now consulting and seeking views on these options to inform the next stages.

[1] Powys Replacement LDP Supporting Documents Evidence Base Document – Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment

[2] Powys Replacement LDP (Preferred Strategy) Supporting Documents Background Paper -– Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Position Statement

[3] WG guidance and Planning Circular.

Site Options

The new site is required in connection with the community living at the Council-run gypsy and traveller site at Leighton Arches near Welshpool. The site is at capacity and there is no further scope for re-configuration. It is not possible to extend the existing site to provide additional pitches as the area is constrained by flood risk. A new site is required in reasonable proximity to the existing site.

The main land opportunities are seen to be on Powys County Council owned Farms and Estate Land as the Council has sufficient control (subject to any tenancy matters) to ensure that the site can be released for the new use within the necessary timeframes subject to obtaining planning permission.

The Council has looked at the opportunities and constraints on Council-owned land in the Welshpool area and has shortlisted 6 potential options:

NOTE: At 1.2 ha (approx.) the new Gypsy and Traveller site for 12 pitches requires only part of any shortlisted areas. It is not known if the site will need to be extended in the future as this will depend on evidence at the time.

In considering the most suitable location for a new site, there is relevant guidance in Planning Circular (005/2018) including advice in paragraphs 38 and 39:

“38. In deciding where to provide for Gypsy and Traveller sites, planning authorities must first consider sustainable locations within or adjacent to existing settlement boundaries with access to local services e.g., education settings, health services and shops”.

“39. Sites in the countryside, away from existing settlements, can be considered for Gypsy and Traveller sites if there is a lack of suitable sustainable locations within or adjacent to existing settlement boundaries”.

Location Plans

• Leighton Options 1 to 3
• Leighton Options 1 to 3 with existing site
• Forden Options 4 and 5
• Churchstoke Option 6

Alternative site suggestions

The Council is open to alternative suggestions in finding a new site to serve Welshpool area needs (12 pitches minimum) and would particularly like to encourage the use of previously developed land (brownfield sites) if there are any opportunities in the geographical area.

This consultation is focussed on possibilities on Council-owned land. The Council is continuing to seek and consider other available development opportunities for a gypsy and traveller site in the Welshpool area.

Anyone who has sufficient control of land who wishes to submit an alternative site option for consideration is asked to respond by the consultation deadline (22^nd October), providing details of the potential site (1.2 ha plus) including a location plan and the reasons for its submission. Please summarise why the alternative land is considered suitable, available and deliverable for mobile home pitches within the short-term.

Alternative site suggestions should be submitted by email or post.

Sites should be available for at least 21 years. Sites constrained by issues such as flood risk, unsafe highway access, pollution or contamination (unless remediable), or those in unacceptably remote locations will not be judged as suitable.

This is not a formal “call for sites” stage for the Powys Replacement LDP and the Council is only seeking potential sites to meet the gypsy and traveller site requirement, i.e. not more general housing sites.

Have your say

We would like to find out your views on the shortlisted site options provided above.

You can leave your feedback online through our survey below by clicking 'COMPLETE FORM'.

Respondents must supply a name and address (the Council will manage this information in accordance with GDPR – see privacy statement). Comments may be published in full, but all personal details will be removed or redacted.

Comments can also be submitted by emailing ldp@powys.gov.uk or by post. Postal returns should be sent to: Planning Policy Section, Powys County Council, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5LG.

The full consultation document, including a feedback form you can download and print, can be found here.

Please ensure your comments are civil, respectful, and relevant. Avoid misleading, unlawful, or offensive content. Abusive comments will not be tolerated or responded to.

All responses should be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 22nd October 2025.