Issue - meetings

    Report by Executive Director Alistair Cunningham

Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet Member for Spatial Planning, Development Management and Property, presented a report recommending the transfer of ownership of the two council-owned gypsy and traveller sites that remain undeveloped at Dairy House Bridge, Oak Tree Field and the transit site adjacent to Oak tree Field (Odstock transit site) to enable them to receive the much needed investment to remain in use as Gypsy, Roma and traveller (GRT) sites.

Cllr Sturgis reported that the Council owned a number of permanent gypsy and traveller sites and one transit site. Of these sites, those detailed above required investment to enable them to continue in use to provide gypsy and traveller accommodation.

The Cabinet noted that resident engagement continued throughout the marketing process, with the key concerns and issues raised by residents being addressed. 

Resolved:

1.    That Bidder B is selected as preferred purchaser of the Diary House Bridge, the Oak Tree Field site and the Odstock transit site.

2.    To transfer the Diary House Bridge, the Oak Tree Field site and the Odstock transit site to Bidder B, on the terms of the bid received.

3.    The Director of Housing & Commercial, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, be authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation for the transfer.

Reason for Decision:

Dairy House Bridge site, Oak Tree Field site and the Odstock transit site are in need of substantial investment. Transfer of ownership of the sites to a new owner will enable this investment to ensure the sites are able to remain in use as gypsy and traveller sites within Wiltshire.