Decision details

Received a report on the future of the Council’s Authorised Gypsy Site at Eastbrookend, Dagenham.  The Site was considered following a Best Value Review and changes in policy affecting management of unauthorised traveller encampments.  The report provided an update on issues arising and proposed 6 options for the future of the site, as follows:

·  Option 1 - No change.

·  Option 2 - Sell land to Travellers.

·  Option 3 - Closure of the site.

·  Option 4 - Convert to short stay use only.

·  Option 5 - Convert the site to a “Mobile Home Site”.

·  Option 6 - Upgrade and convert to combine long and short stay use.

Agreed, in order to comply with legal requirements, best practice and government policy:

1. Option 6 - the refurbishment of the site to improve safety and provide two temporary pitches;

2. Accept the Government’s grant to refurbish the Eastbrookend Gypsy Site to cover 75% of the projected total capital costs of £451,500 with the Council funding 25% (£112,875);

3. To fund £112,875 from the capital programme for 2003/4 (£100,000 brought forward from the 2004/05 programme plus an additional £12,875); and

4. Receive a further report on proposals for the long-term management for the site, to include running costs.