NEW LAWS WILL STOP TRAVELLERS FROM INVADING

From the Express

TRAVELLERS will be prevented from setting up illegal caravan sites that can escalate into costly, violent eviction battles under new council powers, writes Ted Jeory.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles will give town halls strengthened powers to issue temporary “stop” notices linked to unlimited fines to block Gypsy land grabs.

He hopes his new measures will avoid a repeat of the violent stand-offs at sites such as Dale Farm in Essex last year.

Travellers use planning loopholes to buy land and move caravans on to it over a weekend or bank holiday when councils can be too slow or under-equipped to react.

Under the proposed reforms, caravans would have to be removed and occupants barred from installing hard surfaces.

Mr Pickles said yesterday: “Householders have to jump through hoops to extend their home. It is not fair that other people can sidestep the planning system.

“Councils should have powers to ensure fairness in the planning system against those who intentionally and irresponsibly abuse the process.”

see also: A View From the Chamber - Common sense on Travellers from Eric Pickles