Gypsy and Traveller site could be expanded in Swansea

An official gypsy and traveller site in Swansea could be remodelled to help meet the needs of families living in the city.

The city’s main site at Pantyblawd Road has been full for many years but Swansea Council has identified a need for additional spaces to accommodate other Gypsy and Traveller families that reside in the city but do not have a permanent pitch.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “Natural Resources Wales previously completed £7 million flood defence work in the region to help protect businesses near the River Tawe.

“We consider the permanent site at Pantyblwyd Road as a much more viable option for expansion since this work has been completed.

“We are recommending the remodelling of the existing site at Pantyblwyd Road to accommodate other families.

The Council had previously looked at developing a site at Peniel Green Road and the former greyhound track near Fforestfach. Both sites are now being considered for other uses as part of an asset disposal programme.

The spokesperson added: “All other sites that were shortlisted are now part of our asset disposal plan.”

The Council also needs to identify a Gypsy and Traveller site as part of its work to draft a Local Development Plan (LDP). The Welsh Government has indicated that the LDP could be found to be unsound without its inclusion.

A council spokesperson said: “Our LDP requires us to identify a site for Gypsy and Traveller families. Without this in place the LDP is not complete and would not be accepted by the planning inspector.”

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has recently secured approximately £1.5 million grant funding for the creation of an additional 11 new pitches and amenity blocks, to extend their existing Cae Garw site.

Cabinet is set to discuss the report on Thursday 19 November.