IT has been confirmed that a gypsy and traveller site will not be included in the revised Hartlepool Local Plan when it goes out to consultation later this year.

The authority withdrew the draft Local Plan in October 2013 after Council Leader Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher stated that “it did not resonate with the people of Hartlepool”.

Councillor Robbie Payne, chairman of the council’s regeneration services committee, said: “Previously everyone was under the impression that the Council had an obligation to provide a gypsy and traveller site in the town but we now know that this was not the case.

“I can confirm that when the revised Local Plan comes forward later this year, there will be no provision for a gypsy and traveller site. Evidence shows that there is no current demand for such a site so it will not be included.

“I am sure that the large majority of residents will welcome this news and those who criticised us at the time for withdrawing the Local Plan will hopefully understand why we took that decision.

“The only way that a gypsy and traveller site may be provided at some point in the future would be if the Council received an application from a private individual and it could be demonstrated that there was sufficient demand.”

The new Hartlepool Local Plan is expected to be adopted in 2016.