BOROUGH council officials looked at the possibility of building a gipsy site in Goostrey.

However Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet has instead decided to move forward with a planning application that could see a permanent site for gipsies and travellers developed in Crewe.

Following an assessment of council-owned land in the borough, a plot off Booth Bed Lane in Goostrey was looked at, but the Crewe site was judged to be the most appropriate location for a permanent site.

A further 10 locations – mostly in Crewe, Nantwich and Alsager and along the M6 corridor – were also considered.

According to the report, the land in Goostrey was close to residential area and local services and had reasonable access off a minor road, although initial assessments suggested the presence of newts.

The council told the Guardian it would be concentrating on the Crewe site, but said this meant the Goostrey site could be looked at again in the future.

If approved, the site in Crewe would house 12 pitches and an amenity block with washrooms, kitchen, dayroom and laundry.

Clr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “A proactive approach to managing the housing needs of gipsies and travellers is the only way to tackle the issue.

“Permanent and transit sites are proven to reduce the number of unauthorised developments and encampments, two issues which concern residents and are costly to the council and local businesses.”

The council has a legal requirement to meet the accommodation needs of gipsies and travellers. There are 15 permanent sites in Cheshire East, of which one is owned by the council. There is no transit provision.

All gipsies and travellers on council-owned or private sites pay council tax, rent, gas and electricity in the same way as other residents.

l Talk about this on our website at knutsford guardian.co.uk or on our Facebook page.