WORK is continuing on a controversial proposed permanent site to house a Gypsy family in Machynlleth.

Councillors have previously been warned of a potential “public backlash” over plans for a permanent three-caravan traveller site just outside Machynlleth on the Newtown Road, which will involve spending taxpayers’ money on road improvement works.

Councillors said there had been “many” concerns over the plans while others railed against the proposal after a report revealed that new access to the site would have to be built to accommodate the travellers’ safely.

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments, required by law and carried out by the council last year, “identified the need for a transit site in the Machynlleth area”.

A council report said that it was likely the current family, who are sited on common land owned by Machynlleth Golf Club and the Church, will be moved to the new site if the Local Development Plan was given the green light.

The outline proposals were given the go-ahead as part of revisions to the LDP voted through Cabinet before Christmas.

Powys council said any changes to the highway network would “need to be assessed when further details are available” as plans are finalised, but work on the site is likely to involve improved access and network changes.

It is not known how much the new site would cost to get up and running.

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