Evidence shows more pitches needed for Travellers - Surrey

From Guildford Borough Council

We released research today that shows the borough requires additional pitches to meet the accommodation needs of the local Traveller community.

The Traveller Accommodation Assessment (TAA), which forms a key part of the new Local Plan evidence base, shows that a further 43 pitches and six plots are required by the Traveller and travelling Show people community from 2012 to 2017.

Since June 2012, we have granted permission for 16 new pitches. There is a remaining need for 27 pitches and six travelling show people plots in the next four years. An extra 30 pitches and two plots will be needed between 2017 and 2027 to meet future growth.

Cllr Monika Juneja, Lead Councillor for Planning and Governance, says: "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Travellers in our community to find suitable places to live due to a lack of pitches. As a result, Travellers face overcrowding and doubling-up on sites, and they are sometimes forced to locate in unsuitable areas. This does not need to be the case, and the new Local Plan offers us an opportunity to find suitable locations for Traveller accommodation.

"The Traveller Accommodation Assessment provides an understanding of their needs and is based on interviews with people from our travelling community. A sound Local Plan will help us address those needs, using their feedback and other information to meet the current and future demand for pitches. It will also help us better manage any temporary encampments in unsuitable places."

The TAA will help inform our Traveller Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment that identifies potential sites for Traveller accommodation.