A long-awaited planning application for the construction of passenger parking spaces at Cledford Hall has been submitted, he writes Ethan Davies.
The offer, which includes temporary housing for 10 spaces and an equipment block, was submitted by Cheshire East Council.
This is the final step in the £ 2.2 million project that could open next January.
Cheshire East has failed to provide transit places to travelers in the community, leaving the police with little power to prevent unauthorized camps.
Nantwich and the surrounding area have been hit by dozens of unauthorized camps in the Barony Park, Volunteer Fields, Love Lane and Snow Hill car parks and Crewe Vagrants in Willaston in recent years.
However, some city councils have stated that they consider the location unsuitable for the proposed transit location.
Middlewich Cllr Jonathan Parry said last month, “Yes there has to be one in Cheshire East, that is a requirement, but it has to be placed in the right place and Cledford Lane is not the place.
“It should be placed in a location that is accessible and suitable for housing as they classify this as affordable housing – even though people need to bring their homes there.
“If it’s classified as residential, it should be in a location that is suitable for housing – and that location shouldn’t.”
A transit location means that the police have the authority to direct travelers from unauthorized camps to the specified location.
It is the second time that a planning application for the site has been submitted. In the case of the first application in 2015, the permit expires in 2018 without any work being started.
A draft and access declaration for the 2021 application states: “Transit parking spaces are permanent locations where only temporary accommodation is provided for their residents.
“Length of stay can vary, but is usually between 28 days and three months, although practice at transit sites is usually controlled by the council in relation to the length of time people stay.
“The requirements for transit locations reflect the fact that they are not intended to serve as a permanent basis for a single household.
“The proposed layout of the website takes into account the instructions on the websites for gypsies and travelers – Good Practice Guide.
“The proposals are designed to offer residents comfort, security for residents, visual and acoustic privacy – for both those living on the premises and those living nearby.”
You can view the plans on the Cheshire East Planning Portal under reference number ’21 / 1205C ‘or click here.
