Fears more gypsy sites plotted (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Fears more gypsy sites plotted

10:03am Wednesday 20th September 2006

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COUNCILLORS are concerned that a secret study into possible locations for official gypsy sites could mean more in the St Albans area.

Last week's district council Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting learned that a report on how the need for 90 more caravan pitches in south-west Hertfordshire could be met is to remain confidential as long as possible.

A report to the committee says: "This was necessary given the generally sensitive nature of the subject, because certain areas of land are being identified as possible future gypsy and traveller sites and land ownership issues have not been assessed by the consultants."

Lawyers are pondering how long the report, which is due to be completed towards the end of this year, can be kept under wraps, and whether it is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

Planning portfolio holder Chris Brazier said the St Albans district already had 42 per cent of the official pitches in the area and it was time other local authorities provided some.

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