Have your say on potential Gypsy sites - Warwickshire

From the Stratford Observer

RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on potential Gypsy and Traveller camps in the district.

Stratford District Council is consulting until March 28 on what the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan should contain.

A similar consultation in neighbouring Warwick district caused much controversy with residents not wanting camps on their doorstep.

Part of the wider Core Strategy document, all councils are required to assess and meet the needs of the population within their area - which includes the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The consultation is the first formal step in the plan-making process and will help set out how future accommodation needs for Gypsies and Travellers will be met until 2031.

Residents will be given the opportunity to suggest suitable camp sites with results from the consultation being used to help shape the content of the plan itself.

Council leader Chris Saint said: “Meeting the future accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers in Stratford district is a key issue for planning policy.

"It's something we have to do while taking into account local views as far as is possible so it is important for our residents to take this opportunity to tell us what they think the plan should cover.”

Visit www.stratford.gov.uk/gandt to view the consultation documents or visit the district council office in Church Street to read hard copies.

Comments can be made by emailing planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk or electronically via the consultation document.

Alternatively, responses can be posted to Stratford District Council, Freepost CV2468, Consultation Unit, Chief Executive's Unit, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford, CV37 6BR.