SULLY Councillor Kevin Mahoney has taken the unusual step of redefining himself as a traveller living in a settled community in a bid to oppose the plans to make the unauthorised traveller site on the former council tip at Hayes Road legal and permanent.

Cllr Mahoney hopes to speak as a traveller to oppose the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s new draft Local Development Plan after it designated 18 official caravan pitches on the paddock behind the former recycling site.

“I wish to be recognised as a traveller living in a settled community, with the right to speak of my own travelling community of one,” he said.

“I don’t claim to speak for any other travellers, but I would expect my views to be taken into consideration by planning officers as a member of the travelling community.”

As a traveller Cllr Mahoney said that he would argue that the former council tip is unsuitable as a legal and permanent traveller site due to its close proximity to Beachwood College, children's hospice Ty Hafan, the Wales Coast Path and the chemical plant, and that as a traveller he wouldn’t want to be situated somewhere in conflict to local residents.

The LDP is due to go before a special meeting of full council at the Vale Council’s Civic Offices today, October 23.

Councillors will discuss the draft Local Development Plan and view a presentation by Emma Reed, operational manager of development services.

Sully residents opposed to the plans are set to hold a protest outside the Civic Offices from 5pm, with the meeting, that is open to the public, due to start from 6pm.

A spokesperson from the ‘Saving Sully’ action group said: “We want as many people as possible to turn up to the Council offices and show their feelings.

“Saving Sully action group will be providing banners and placards to show our views about Cog housing, the traveller site location and the breach of good faith regarding allotment provision. The more people that come, the louder our voices will be heard, so please try and make it and let the council know how we feel.”

Cllr Mahoney gave his backing to the protest: “The people of Sully have a democratic right to make their views known.”