MP fights Gypsy site power change

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Plans to give control over the location of sites for Gypsies and travellers to the Welsh Assembly Government are being opposed by a Conservative MP.

Clwyd West MP David Jones says that would "disadvantage local people" by removing choice from councils.

The assembly government is seeking law-making powers over the decision.

An assembly government spokesman said it would enable it to propose social housing legislation reflecting needs and circumstances in Wales.

To change to the system, the assembly needs a Legislative Competence Order (LCO), or law, from Westminster to enable it to compel local councils to make provision for Gypsy and traveller sites in their areas.

The decision as to where Gypsy and traveller sites should be located is one that should be made by local authorities, who are more responsive to the concerns of local people David Jones MP, Clwyd West

Mr Jones said the issue was especially important in Abergele, where the draft Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) "controversially" makes provision for a traveller site on the edge of the town.

He called that location "entirely inappropriate".

Mr Jones said the assembly government Deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies had told MPs on the Welsh select committee last week that it wants "power to compel local authorities to make provision for gypsies and travellers 'if there is a properly assessed and clearly identified need',".

He added that the issue of an "identified need" should be in the hands of local people, "not with the Cardiff-based assembly government."

"The decision as to where Gypsy and traveller sites should be located is one that should be made by local authorities, who are more responsive to the concerns of local people."

Two issues

He said it would not be right for the assembly government to dicate to local people whether a site is needed, and where it should be located".

An assembly government spokesman said Mr Jones was merging two issues.

He said that the detail "of the Conwy Local Development Plan is a matter for Conwy council, not the Welsh Assembly Government, and an independently appointed planning inspector will consider the plan".

He said the proposesd rule change (the Sustainable Homes LCO) would give the assembly powers to make laws on housing for the first time.

"It will enable us to propose legislation on social housing that reflects the needs and circumstances of Wales.

"It is far too early to be talking about what specific measures we would introduce once we have the powers," he added.