Background: A national shortage of Gypsy and Traveller caravan sites results in unauthorised camping, leading to enforcement actions, planning appeals, and tensions with the settled community. A duty under the 2004 Housing Act requires local authorities to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies, Travellers, and Showpeople, and to make adequate provision for them through the Planning process.
Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (G&TAA)
Gloucestershire County Council and the six local housing authorities agreed to work in partnership to meet their combined duties. Research has led to the publication of a draft G&TAA that indicates the forecast pitch requirements for Gloucestershire.
Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)
Our draft G and TAA will inform the South West Regional Assembly's (SWRA) RSS and, in particular, the 'Single Issue Review' that ultimately sets pitch numbers for both permanent and transient Gypsy, Traveller, and Showpeople populations throughout the South West.
Consultation
The RSS Single Issue consultation period is underway, and ends 31st October 2007. Along with other local authorities in the South West we have submitted our draft Accommodation Assessment to the SWRA, and this forms the basis for consultation on the position within Gloucestershire. Following consultation, and the assessment of feedback, a final G&TAA will be submitted to Government by 31st December 2007.
A copy of the consultation draft, and a lot of other supporting information, is all available from the SWRA website at:www.southwest-ra.gov.uk
Further information about the G&TAA in Gloucestershire can be obtained from Paul Kenyon, Principal Traveller Services Officer, Gloucestershire County Council. Tel: 01452 426397 or e-mail:Paul.Kenyon@gloucestershire.gov.uk
If you wish to respond to the RSS Single Issue consultation, your comments should be directed to the SWRA
