Legal News

Buckinghamshire County Council is to sell five of its gypsy and traveller sites as going concerns, as a result of budget pressures and lack of funding to invest in the sites.

The council says that the best long-term option is to offer the sites for sale to either residents, or other potential landlords.

The five sites are Green Park (Amersham), The Orchards (Chalfont St Peter), Mansion Lane (Iver), Wapseys Wood (Gerrards Cross) and Bottom Waltons (Burnham).

Since 2004, the council has had no legal responsibility to provide gypsy and traveller accommodation – although it has continued to do.

However, in line with other councils who have already taken the decision to dispose of gypsy and traveller sites, preparations for sale are now being made in Buckinghamshire.

Legally, site residents and their pitches have protection under the Mobile Homes Act 1983.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, Warren Whyte, said the council had worked with site residents and other partners closely throughout the lead up to the decision.

”We recognise this is a potentially controversial move – and that it will be unsettling for residents.

“But in the end, it's the only viable option to properly safeguard the sites in the longer term.

“When it comes to marketing, the current planning conditions for each site will be made absolutely clear.

“I want to make sure that, whoever the new owners or managers might be, site residents have the same level of confidence that they had when we managed the sites.”

The council said that a further, formal cabinet member decision would be made before any final sales were confirmed.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

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There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and our housing law solicitors can also advise on Local Authority housing and council’s obligation to re-house, as well as planning applications and appeals.

For expert legal advice on housing and property law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.