Gypsy and Traveller Sites - consultation, Newport - Wales

From Newport City Council

Newport City Council’s administration has asked a scrutiny committee to review the issue of Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The council has until the end of October 2012 to revisit the short listing of potential Gypsy and Traveller sites to meet the Local Development Plan timetable.

The scrutiny committee for community planning and development has set up a project group to do this which will undertake a transparent site search exercise.

The project group’s recommendations to the scrutiny committee will be public and people will be invited to attend meetings.

Use the online Gypsy and Traveller site form to suggest potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Comments should be received by Thursday 26 July 2012

Background

Under current housing and planning legislation (pdf) the council has a duty to identify suitable residential and transit sites for Gypsies and Travellers, if a need is demonstrated.

In 2009, the council was required to carry out a Gypsy and Traveller needs

assessment (pdf) and this was done by Fordham Consultants, to supplement the Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire Local Housing Market Assessment report which was completed in 2007.

The Fordham study concluded that the council had a 10 year need for 29 permanent pitches for families living in, or with an affiliation to, Newport.

14 of these pitches need to be provided for in a social rented format, with 15 pitches to be met on owner occupied pitches and a further 7 pitches required for families that travel through the city on a seasonal basis.

Residential sites

Residential sites are used by Gypsies or Travellers who want or need to remain in one place for a long period.

They usually have links to the area and are often part of the community, for example, children will attend local schools.
Transit sites

Transit sites are provided for Gypsies and Travellers who are passing through a town or city and they are allowed to stay for a limited number of days or weeks.

Properly established sites will help the council tackle the issue of unauthorised encampments and provide a legal and well managed base to direct families to.

Families living on residential socially rented authorised sites will pay rent and council tax.

Comments and suggestions

The project team is inviting suggestions for suitable Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Any sites put forward would be considered, alongside those already identified, against a clear list of Welsh Government and other criteria.

Make your suggestion using the online Gypsy and Traveller site form.
Comments should be received by Thursday 26 July 2012

The subject of where to locate Gypsy and Traveller accommodation can be emotive.

Please be mindful that the council is under a duty not to accept racially motivated or abusive correspondence and that such comments will be copied to the police.