Somerset Council has confirmed that there is currently no set timeline for establishing a permanent traveller transit site in the county. This announcement comes amid ongoing challenges faced by local communities as unauthorised traveller encampments have repeatedly appeared on public spaces such as Stoney Furlong in Taunton, Parkway Park in Bridgwater, and the South Esplanade in Burnham-on-Sea.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, who oversees communities, council housing, culture, equalities, and diversity, acknowledged these challenges earlier in August and pledged to form a taskforce to identify suitable locations for a permanent site. However, she has since admitted that no firm deadlines have been established for securing and opening such a facility.
The issue was raised by Councillor Tom Power during a Somerset Council executive committee meeting on November 5 in Taunton. He referenced concerns about unauthorised encampments in areas including Glastonbury and Burnham-on-Sea and requested an update on the taskforce’s progress and any expected timelines for delivering the transit site.
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In response, Ms Smith-Roberts detailed several recent measures implemented to deter unauthorised encampments. These include the installation of site protection barriers at the Silk Mills park and ride in Taunton and an assessment of Bridgwater’s BM car park aimed at identifying cost-effective improvements. The council has also worked closely with the Burnham town traveller engagement group to reinforce security at key sites, such as the Bay Centre and the South Esplanade, where enhancements like concrete blocks have helped prevent encampments.
The council continues to engage in discussions with stakeholders—including the police—to explore establishing temporary stopping places. Drawing inspiration from Bristol City Council’s “meanwhile sites,” which repurpose land for temporary use until permanent development, Somerset hopes to pilot a similar approach. One potential opportunity lies within the government-backed Glastonbury town deal’s enabling project, which aims to provide a safe, off-road accommodation site for the local traveller community.
Previously, Somerset planned to develop a permanent transit site on land north of Porchestall Drove. This plan was abandoned in July 2024 after the site flooded twice during winter, rendering it unsuitable. The council is now investigating alternative locations around Glastonbury, while Avalon Community Energy pursues a solar farm project on the Porchestall Drove land as part of the town deal.
Ms Smith-Roberts concluded by emphasizing that without an existing permanent site, it is impossible to provide a clear timescale for the project’s completion. Meanwhile, Somerset Council remains committed to engaging communities and stakeholders to find workable, interim solutions for managing unauthorised traveller encampments.