More Traveller and Gypsy sites are needed in Lincolnshire - report

From the Grimsby Telegraph

MORE than 70 caravan pitches and 35 houses are needed to stop overcrowding among Lincolnshire's Gypsy and Traveller communities, according to a new report.

A housing needs group has found Traveller sites are under strain from expanding families and new Travellers coming into the county.

The Gypsy And Traveller Accommodation Assessment recommended that West Lindsey District Council, as well as the City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven, increase provision for Traveller communities over the next two decades.

The report's recommendations could pave the way for farmers to put forward their own private land for caravan sites or development.

However, the National Farmers' Union believes landowners should be given a choice on how their fields are used.

An NFU spokesman said: "We are aware there is a need for new sites for Travellers in the county, but it will be up to individual farmers to make the decision about selling or letting land for suitable sites. The central Lincolnshire councils will understand that development on agricultural land can become a major local issue, no matter who is doing the development or what is the end use of the land."

The report was approved at a Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Committee meeting.

It recommended West Lindsey District Council finds space for 43 caravan pitches.

In a first for the county, the report recommends temporary stopping places are created to help families on the move from having to use illegal sites.

It also suggests a travelling people's show yard will be needed in the next 20 years.

The report will now go forward for scrutiny by a government inspector as part of setting out a new core strategy for Lincolnshire and how the county grows.