PLANS to designate the Branksome Triangle as a Gypsy and Traveller site were met with continued opposition in the local plan consultation.

Concerns were raised over the proposals when the local plan was unveiled, with concerns raised over the course of the consultation by groups including Kushti Bok and Network Rail.

The draft local plan says: “Branksome Triangle is a council owned site which can deliver homes to meet specialist housing needs.

“Permanent residential plots are needed for gypsies and travellers and this site could be used to meet these needs.”

Kushti Bok is a Dorset traveller advocacy group that works with the police and councils in the area.

In a response to the consultation, the group said it believes further investigation must take place before the site is allocated, following a site visit.

The group raised concerns over noise, land contamination and stability issues at the site.

It said: “We are aware the local residents have serious concerns about the contamination of the land in question amongst other matters, based on their own experience of living next to the site.

“We would ask that these matters are all resolved before the allocation is taken forward to ensure that both potential occupants and local residents can be assured that the site is suitable.”

The group called for the publication of the assessments of the other 15 sites that were considered for this use.

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (NRIL) objected to the proposal and asked for it to be withdrawn from the plan.

It said: “NRIL is disappointed that no discussions have taken place over the proposed allocation given our role in as an adjacent landowner.

“The site was not included in previous iterations of the Plan nor in the proposed site allocations consultation held with key stakeholders in 2023.”

NRIL questioned the suitability of the site due to its proximity to the rail network and train depot, the lack of noise measure proposed and the need for improved safety measures and fencing for future occupants.

Previous MP for Bournemouth West, Sir Conor Burns, responded to the consultation as MP at that time, raising concerns that his constituents had raised with him.

Sir Conor indicated 94 per cent of people who had been in touch opposed the policy and added that he and many residents were not consulted or informed prior to the publication of the draft plan.

The former MP also said constituents had asked if the views of the Gypsy and Traveller community had been sought in the site selection and whether it was suitable.

Sir Conor echoed the concerns of both Kushti Bok and Network Rail, pointing to the contamination of the site, proximity to the railway, restricted access and site safety.

He concluded in saying the proposal “might be regarded as offering the traveller population an inferior, potentially hazardous and inaccessible site not suitable for other housing purposes”.

The draft local plan, along with every consultation submitted, has been passed on for independent examination by inspectors appointed by the secretary of state for levelling up, communities and housing.

To view the plan and the consultations, visit the BCP Council website.