Planning Inspector Mr Thickett comes to East Devon – again – next week to see if the Council’s Local Plan is yet fit for purpose.

One of his comments in March last year was that the district had no gypsy and traveller policy. Fifteen months later, and with the subject due to be investigated next week, we learn that we STILL don’t have a policy but we DO have half a million pounds set aside to try to come up with one:

http://www.devon24.co.uk/news/500_000_allocated_to_find_sites_for_gypsies_1_4126709

And, as Councillor Mike Allen so clearly puts it:

“This particular approach had been an absolute essential since around 2008, when we started looking at the proposals.

“I thoroughly endorse the proposal – it’s long overdue.”

The article goes on to say:

“Subject to approval by the local plan inspector, the council will put out a call for sites – areas, such as Cranbrook, on the western side of East Devon have been earmarked as potentially suitable.

As well as the proposed £500,000 budget for purchasing sites, the council is looking into other sources of finance available to it.”

Bet people in Cranbrook didn’t see that one coming!

Fear not councillors – East Devon Watch has the answer! Simply put the site next to EDDC’s new Headquarters at Heathpark, Honiton. That way, councillors get to keep an eye on the site and ensure that it works!

Then again, Skypark has a lot of empty space now, we hear!