THREE potential traveller transit sites have been identified in Poole after 20 more were rejected as unsuitable.

All are on council owned land and Borough of Poole, which also has a permanent site at Mannings Heath, has identified a need for eight pitches.

The sites are:

• The Branksome Triangle park and ride. Off Surrey Road, bordered by the viaduct and railways siding. The site spreads over 3.34 hectares, part is used by LV as a park and ride and another part is heavily wooded.

• Montacute School at Canford Heath. a 2.7 hectare site which is home to Montacute special school. The school is applying to become an academy and there are preservation orders on many of its trees.

• Turlin Road former community centre, HamworthyA vacant site covering 0.44 of a hectare, home to the former community centre, which was demolished after being burnt. Close to the school, it is a landfill site which would be expensive to clean up.

“As the portfolio holder I have problems with all the sites,” said Cllr Mike White, deputy leader of the council with responsibility for planning.

He said: “No decisions have been made and the council is not committed to any of the Poole sites identified in the independent study.

“Councillors will consider the report very carefully before deciding if any of the sites are suitable to go forward to a public consultation.”

Approximately three-quarters to one hectare would be required for the eight pitches and two of the sites are far larger. Two are on residential estates and close to schools.

Cllr White said: “The council retains the right to rule out any site it feels is unsuitable or could better serve another important community purpose in Poole.

“The study demonstrates that options for a gypsy and traveller transit site in Poole are limited. Two of the three potential sites identified by the study would restrict the options available to meet Poole’s growing need for additional school accommodation.

“The third site already provides a valuable park and ride facility for a major local employer.”

Stephen Thorne, head of planning and regeneration services, said: “If it’s a suitable site for housing then it’s a suitable site to be considered for this purpose.”

And he appealed for help from the public in identifying other possible sites in the borough. “The key message is, what else is out there? We are not bound to these sites at all.

“If someone comes forward with a piece of land we would consider it.”

Meanwhile Cllr White has written twice to the government urging them to allow the council to work with neighbouring local authorities to provide a joint site.

“Current guidance from central government requires the council to provide a site within Poole’s boundaries,” he said.

“We believe this approach will not necessarily deliver the best or most practical solution for the travelling community or local residents.”

A report identifying the sites goes before the economy overview and scrutiny committee on Monday, with a recommendation to cabinet to go out to consultation.

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