Gypsy and Traveller consultation coming to an end - Dorset

Friday 10 February sees the end of the Gypsy and Traveller consultation in Dorset.

The consultation involves all of Dorset’s councils, including the unitaries of Bournemouth and Poole, working together on a Joint Development Plan (DPD) to meet local needs for traveller pitches over the next 15 years.

Since June 2010, independent consultants Baker Associates have been talking to landowners, Gypsies and Travellers and interest groups to draw up a shortlist of possible locations for Dorset.

Under the terms of the Housing Act 2004, local authorities must assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and identify where new pitches should be located.

Having more official permanent and transit sites will enable the police to use enhanced powers to move on illegally-camped Travellers much more quickly, as well as giving travelling communities access to services, healthcare and education.

The first round of consultation ends on Friday 10 February – so residents have until that time to respond to the proposed sites. Feedback will be considered by the consultants before a revised site shortlist is published in the summer for councils to consider. A further round of public consultation will follow the councils’ consideration of this revised list.

To respond to the consultation, or to find more information on proposed sites in your area, go to www.dorsetforyou.com/gypsyandtravellersites.

You can also give your views in writing to:

Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople consultation
County Hall
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 1XJ