A DECISION on plans for a stopping place for gypsies and travellers will not be made until at least September after planning committee members voted to carry out a site visit.

Planning officers had recommended that the proposals just off the A55 at Star near Gaerwen in Anglesey should be given the green light despite being described by locals as “unsuitable, wet and dangerous”.

But one of the local members, Cllr Robin Williams, asked fellow planning committee members to visit the site for themselves before a full discussion takes place.

“I feel it’s only fair that everyone can see the location for themselves before deciding if this is a suitable location or not,” he said.

Members voted to accept Cllr Williams’ request during this afternoon’s meeting in Llangefni, but not all were in agreement.

Cllr Bryan Owen said that carrying out a formal site visit would be “a waste of time”.

“Everyone here is familiar with the site. I’m sure,” he added.

“I think that would just be a waste of time.”

The application involves a change of use of existing agricultural land for use as a temporary stopping place for Gypsies and Travellers, capable of holding 10 pitches.

It is earmarked for a narrow strip of land lying between the A5 and A55 at Star.

The proposals have attracted much local opposition, with Penmynydd and Star Community Council collecting a petition of 1,591 signatures against the plans.

According to the community council’s own submission, the land is “unsuitable, wet and dangerous”, and the proposed 2.4 metre fence enclosing the site could have an impact on tourism.

The council has also received 39 letters of objection, highlighting similar concerns as well as a lack of meaningful consultation with the gypsy and traveller community and the noise, safety and traffic impact.

The three members representing the Aethwy ward have all asked for the plans to be “called-in” to committee, also citing their clear opposition.

Cllr Meirion Jones said: “The basis of the objection locally is that the site is unsuitable for people to live for a short period or for any period of time.

“The people referred to are Gypsies but I emphasise that we refer to them

as people.

“The application includes so many shortcomings that it isn’t acceptable or safe to approve.”

Natural Resources Wales have said they are satisfied that the level of risk is acceptable and in line with TAN 15 guidelines.

North Wales Police has also offered no formal objection but, according to the report, did raise an observation on the site’s proximity to the A5.

In response, council officers noted: “The council intends to fit infrastructure to enable the installation of CCTV, should it be required in the future.

“The safety of all users, including children, has been considered during the design process, and mitigation has been included in the site design process.

“As a result, a secure boundary along the curtilage of the A5 is proposed as part of the scheme design.

“The design incorporates a 2.4 metre high security mesh fence along the southern boundary of the site together with mechanical sliding gates and a pedestrian gate both of a similar height to the fence.

“The gates will be secured and operated by a key pad locking system, ensuring safe and secure access and egress.”

Due to no council meetings taking place during the August recess, the next planning meeting will take place on September 5.