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Sevenoaks District Council has secured £166,000 in funding from Central Government to make a series of improvements to its gypsy travellers' site in Hever Road, Edenbridge.
The Council was the only one in Kent to be successful in receiving funding for gypsy traveller initiatives from the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The proposed improvements include providing three new pitches with associated amenity blocks, including toilet and bathroom facilities and utility areas, within the confines of the existing site.
This will also include renovation and general enhancement to the existing facilities on the site.
In total, the work will cost £190,000 of which £166,000 will be met by Central Government and the remaining £24,000 will be funded by Sevenoaks District Council.
The Council submitted the bid in September 2006 which was supported by Edenbridge Town Council.
Work is expected to begin in late spring or summer weather permitting.
Cllr Carol Clark, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Balanced Communities, which includes Housing, says: “This is an excellent result and thanks to a substantial grant from the Government, the Council is in the position to make significant improvements to the gypsy travellers’ site. The works will benefit those people who live on the site and also enhance the local area.”
The Council owned gypsy travellers site in Hever Road currently has 12 pitches and has been in use since it was established in 1965.
The grant was subject to planning permission for the new pitches and facilities which was approved at last night’s Development Control Committee (Thursday 8 February 2007).
All local authorities now have a duty to provide for the needs of gypsies and travellers as a result of the Housing Act 2004 and related planning requirements. These improvements will help the Council comply with the new legislation.
Ends
Press release issued: February 9 2007
