Call For Travellers Sites - Yorkshire

From Hambleton District Council

An action plan to meet the need for Travellers' pitches in Hambleton is being drawn up.

A recent study undertaken for the District Council identified that 26 pitches - 11 public and 15 private - would be needed over the next 15 years. Of those nine private and two public pitches are needed by 2017.

An earlier study of Showmen’s yard requirements identified that about ten plots would be needed in the district by 2019 – those plots have not yet been provided.

Now the authority is looking to landowners and their agents, Parish Councils and the Traveller community to help identify and put forward sites they think might be suitable to meet these needs. These will be assessed by the Council against its policies with a view to inviting planning applications for suitable sites.

"The Council needs to be more proactive in dealing with current problems at several unauthorised Gypsy sites in the district," said Councillor Mark Robson, Portfolio Holder for Planning.

"The key to this is planning for new pitch provision in more appropriate locations. As with other forms of housing, the Government expects Councils to provide adequate suitable sites to meet established local housing needs from Travellers and it is essential that we act to find suitable sites as quickly as possible. The Council is also investigating providing public sites in conjunction with delivery partners."

He said sites should not harm the amenity of existing residents, be close to a town or large village with good access to a range of local services such as a school and shop, have good highway access and avoid protected sensitive areas.

Submitted sites will be fully assessed against planning policies and government guidelines

Anyone with a potential suitable site should call Amanda Madden on 01609 767048 or email Amanda.madden@hambleton.gov.uk