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Teessaurus Park will not be considered as a location for a future Gypsy and Traveller site as Middlesbrough, the council has confirmed. The plan, which was put forward in early 2024, had

identified a part of the public park, on Riverside Park Road, as a potential location to provide legally required accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller community - but was met with anger

and concern from residents and visitors. However, now an alternative site at Cannon Park Way has been identified. Councillors in Middlesbrough will be asked to approve the next stage of the

borough's Local Plan, which identifies land in Middlesbrough suitable for development over the next 15 years. Once in place, it will be used to guide decisions on individual planning

applications. After a consultation with members of the public and stakeholders, Teessaurus Park - a 10-acre attraction which has been open since 1979, boasts life-sized sculptures of

dinosaurs and a wildlife site - has now been removed as an option. Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Development, said: “Having a Local Plan in place is vital as it dictates where can,

and importantly, cannot be developed in our town - ensuring we have some control over identifying things like new sites for housing and protecting green spaces. "There was a lot of

strong feeling relating to Teessaurus Park when the first draft proposals were published last year. I'm delighted that Council staff have been able to find an alternative proposal so

that we can fulfil our responsibility to provide for the housing needs of the Gypsy and Travelling community. “It’s important that everyone understands that the sites identified in the draft

Local Plan would still need to gain planning permission in the normal way and would be developed over the plan's 15-year lifespan. The next stage of our consultation is now set to be

launched and I’d urge anyone with a view to make sure they have their say.” The plan must also set out how the Council will provide land for new housing in the borough. After Government

changes to planning policy in December, it now identifies sites for at least 420 new homes per year. JOIN TEESSIDE LIVE'S WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR TOP STORIES AND BREAKING NEWS SENT

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