Labour Councillors in Weymouth and Portland have criticised West Dorset District Council for running a flawed public consultation in relation to a proposed Gypsy and Traveller site near Wyke Regis.
West Dorset has identified a disused Army Camp, located at the end of Camp Road in Wyke Regis, as one potential location of an ‘authorised transit-site’. In response to Government legislation, all Dorset councils (including Weymouth and Portland) must identify and prepare such ‘authorised transit-sites’, intended to ease the difficulties posed by illegal encampments. Before a site can be approved, councils must undertake a thorough consultation with local residents.
However, whilst the land proposed for use by West Dorset falls within the boundaries of that council, local councillors believe it is Weymouth residents who will shoulder the burden placed on local facilities.
Nevertheless, West Dorset District Council has refused requests by Labour Councillors from both Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Councils to facilitate a consultation with residents in the Borough. Consultation for the Camp Road site begins this week but the consultation venue closest to the proposed site is almost three miles away, on Putton Lane, Chickerell, and inaccessible by public transport.
Councillor Kate Wheller, who represents Wyke Regis, said it was ‘totally unnacceptable’ not to consult Weymouth residents: “The proposed site may well fall within West Dorset but it is only accessible via Wyke Regis. More importantly it will result in additional pressure being put on facilities located in and used by residents of Wyke Regis and the wider Weymouth area.”
A second Wyke Regis Councillor, Craig Martin, said: “One major concern is the pressure on school places. There are several schools that this proposal will impact and due to changes in school funding, the need to identify additional places could have significant financial implications. This alone should highlight the need for proper consultation with affected residents.”
Councillor Lucy Hamilton, whose Westham West ward includes nearby Lanehouse, urged West Dorset to reconsider: “It’s a waste of time and money holding a consultation in Chickerell. We have residents at Lanehouse, at Littlesea and in Wyke who will want to give their views and to discuss with council officers. There are properties just inches away from the proposed site, while the consultation is miles away.”
As it is currently planned, Labour councillors believe the consultation process simply does not take account of the community it needs to engage. Councillor Wheller said: “Many of the residents likely to be affected by the proposal are elderly or on low incomes. Many won’t be able to access the venue in Chickerell, nor will they be able to access the online consultation. This isn’t a fair or proper consultation.”
Dan Brember
