Traveller site more likely for Rowsley

At an Environment Committee meeting on Thursday, November 29, members of Derbyshire Dales District Council voted in favour of making the land available to the family of travellers.

Members of the public and the press were excluded from the meeting when the vote was taken, though, much to the dismay of many attendees.

The reason for the exclusion was that some information in the report – which was apparently crucial to make a decision – could have compromised the council’s data protection responsibilities if made public.

There was also sensitive information regarding legal advice that the district council has taken on the issue.

Now the proposals have been passed by the environment committee, the district council will seek planning permission to convert land at Old Station Close into a temporary traveller site.

If granted, the family – who are currently parked near Bakewell Showground – will be permitted to stay in Rowsley for up to nine months.

This news came as a huge blow to residents and traders in Rowsley who have strongly objected the proposals from the beginning.

Kath Potter, chair of Rowsley Parish Council, said: “We are all extremely upset and disappointed with the verdict.”

A meeting will now take place on December 13 to consider other, more permanent sites, for the family.

Other potential sites include; land near Ashbourne Cemetry; Mayfield Road, Ashbourne; land opposite the Travel Lodge on Carnation Way; three sites near Firth Rixon, Darley Dale; land at Old Station Close, Rowsley; Butterley Lane, Tansley; Wood Yard, Homesford; and land on Benheim Road and Waterside Business Park, Ashbourne.