Plans for Mansfield permanent traveller sites is further delayed by ongoing pandemic

Mansfield District Council has been moving forward with the plans over the past 12 months, aiming to introduce four permanent sites across the district.

The council was due to make a decision on the sites in January after 15 sites were put up for public consultation last year.

But it was forced to postpone the decision after "changes to the sites" meant the council had to reconsider which areas it was planning to use.

The authority was due to review whether two separate sites are viable for the plans - a former lorry park in Sheepbridge Lane and a piece of greenfield land off Newlands Road in Forest Town.

But no movement has been made on reviews to the potential sites since the decision was put on hold in January, with the Covid-19 crisis diverting the council's resources.

A spokeswoman for Mansfield District Council said there is "no fixed time frame" for when the plans will move forward.

"The last decision on this was at the Full Council on 22 January when it was resolved to look into using sites at a former lorry park in Sheepbridge Lane and another at the Newlands Triangle - a piece of land off Newlands Road, Forest Town", she said.

"However, due to Covid-19 emergency, council resources have been diverted to delivering critical services and further consultation on these additional sites is on hold.

"There is no fixed timeframe for when this will take place."

The four initial sites put forward included allotments on Priory Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, which is understood to be the site which changed at the last minute.

Land in Ley Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, which is already in use as a permanent, lawful site for travelling showpeople, is also part of the proposals, along with Common Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, which is also earmarked for a 'transit' site for gypsies and travellers of up to 20 caravans.

The final site is a disused electricity sub station in Longster Lane, between Sookholme and Warsop Vale, which would be able to accommodate up to six caravans for travelling showpeople.

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