PLANS to tackle the problem of unauthorised gypsy and traveller sites across West Cheshire go before council chiefs next week.

Councillors will be asked to approve authorised sites in Winsford and Ellesmere Port when they meet on Wednesday.

In Ellesmere Port, outline planning approval has been granted for a £1.44m development of 12 sites with utility blocks and a warden’s office.

The Ellesmere Port planning application is due for determination in July.

An assessment identifies the need for between 31 and 45 residential Gypsy and Travellers pitches and ten transit pitches should be set up by 2016 in the borough.

A report by Charlie Seward, council director of growth and prosperity, said: "The shortage of gypsy and traveller sites has led to issues such as unauthorised developments in the Green Belt and unauthorised encampments on both private and council owned land.

“In the case of unauthorised developments – where permanent sites are developed and planning permission sought retrospectively – the shortage of provision has resulted in a number of sites being granted temporary planning permissions, sometimes at appeal.”

Mr Seward's report continued: "This has led to tensions with neighbouring settled communities, who often feel that different planning rules are applied to such developments.”