A PUBLIC consultation on gypsy and traveller accommodation proposals near St Asaph has had its deadline extended.
Due to technical difficulties with the consultation portal, Denbighshire County Council have extended the deadline to November 25, instead of November 21.
Last week, more than 600 people attended a heated public meeting over the proposals – which will see one permanent and one transit gypsy and traveller site created at Green-gates Farm East near St Asaph.
The plans would provide accommodation for 11 households in total at any one time.
Peter Scott, chair of Denbighshire County Council and town and county councillor for St Asaph West, said: “There was a glitch on the system which has resulted in the consultation deadline being extended.
“St Asaph Business Park has been called the jewel in the county. I am worried for the businesses, the economy and the future of the site.”
During the public meeting, held at Glan Clwyd School, Mark Evans, investor at St Asaph Business Park, took to the stand to say: “Without the economy, everything may fall down. There are hundreds of people employed on the park.”
Leanne Groves’s property will be surrounded by the proposed sites.
The mum-of-two, who is married to Andrew, said: “We moved here 18 months ago for very specific reasons, the needs of my daughter who has profound multiple learning difficulties.
“The property suited her needs and that is why we moved here. So we can manage her in the long run.
“I really fear for our future and for our little home and our safe haven.
“This will be disrupted by any development actually, housing or school. This wasn’t land that was meant to be developed.”
A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Due to some technical difficulties with the consultation portal between 26 and 29 October, some individuals may have experienced difficulty in accessing information or to leave comments on the consultations for both proposals.
“We would like to apologise for this and we have extended the consultation for an additional four days, to allow people the opportunity to get involved in the consultation.”
