Conservative politicians are urging Labour-run Monmouthshire County Council to ensure residents have the chance to be heard in a summer consultation on gypsy and traveller sites.
Proposals have been published for gypsy and traveller sites in Monmouth town, Mitchel Troy, Magor and Undy, all backing on residential properties. The local authority aims to provide for an unmet need of 13 gypsy and traveller households in the county.
Concerns have been raised that the formal consultation, due to be triggered on 26 July, is to be held over the summer period when many families may be preoccupied with childcare or otherwise unable to fully participate and make their voices heard.
Although the plans have only just been published, the Labour-controlled council has already consulted gypsy and traveller groups on the merits of each individual site.
Raising his concerns, Monmouth MP and Secretary of State for Wales David Davies said: “It makes little sense why the Labour-controlled council wants to hold a consultation in August when some residents may not be able to take part.
“The problem with holding it in August is that swathes of families will be on holiday, meaning their voices will not be heard on this crucial issue.
“It is of fundamental importance that the people of Monmouthshire have their say on the Labour council’s plan because what is being proposed could lead to changes for residents in Monmouth, Mitchel Troy, Magor and Undy.
“The Labour-controlled Monmouthshire County Council needs to ensure a meaningful consultation with residents in these affected communities, so residents are given ample opportunity to have their say.”
Monmouth MS Peter Fox expressed similar concerns.
He said: “It is understood that the consultation will take place over the summer. But many people might be away during that period, which isn’t a very wise move.
“As a former leader of the council, I know from experience that local people must have a say on important matters. And this case example really does speak for itself.
“The Labour-controlled council must heed our concerns and not hold the consultation in August.”
Cllr Richard John, leader of the opposition and ward member for Mitchel Troy and Trellech United, added: “Of course, I understand the council has a moral as well as a statutory responsibility to provide suitable pitches for the gypsy traveller community.
“The two sites in Mitchel Troy, on a narrow country lane and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are inappropriate for many reasons and have already been branded unsuitable by the council’s own ecology team.
“The gypsy and traveller community themselves will not want to live immediately behind residential properties in such close proximity to the settled population, in the way that all four of these sites are proposed. I’m disappointed these plans have been drawn up behind closed doors.
“It’s doubtful that any of these sites would be deemed suitable for residential development, so nor should they be suitable for permanent gypsy traveller accommodation. I think the council needs to go back to the drawing board and consider a broader range of sites that would better suit the needs of the gypsy and traveller community and local residents alike.”