Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan consultation launches

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is currently preparing the submission draft Core Strategy to shape future sustainable development in the District.  The Core Strategy is a strategic document and will be supported by other plans, including a Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.

From Friday 14 February to 5pm on Friday 28 March, the District Council will be consulting on what the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan ought to contain, the first formal step in the plan making process.  The results of the consultation will help to inform the content of the Plan.

It is proposed that the Local Plan will set out how future accommodation needs for gypsies and travellers will be met to 2031.  It is also proposed to identify sites and to include more detailed planning policy and guidance to inform and manage future gypsy and traveller development.  The consultation includes a 'call for sites', enabling people to suggest sites they think are suitable to accommodate gypsies and travellers.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “Meeting the future accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers in Stratford District is a key issue for planning policy to address and is a requirement of National Planning Policy.  It is something we have to do, whilst taking into account local views as far as is possible.  The Planning Inspectorate will judge the soundness of our Plan, so it is important for our residents to take this opportunity to tell us what you think the plan should cover."

The consultation documents, including a summary leaflet and a 'Call for Sites' form can be viewed online at www.stratford.gov.uk/gandt.  Hard copies will also be available at the District Council offices in Stratford-upon-Avon during normal opening hours.

Comments can be made electronically via the consultation document itself.  Alternatively, they can be made on the Comment Form and returned via email to planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk or via post to: Stratford-on-Avon District Council, FREEPOST CV2468, Consultation Unit, Chief Executive's Unit, Elizabeth House, Church Street, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON CV37 6BR.

Please note that this consultation is separate from that being undertaken on potential changes to the Core Strategy, currently running until 5pm on 14 March.

• All Councils are required by National Planning Policy and the Housing Act 2004 to objectively assess and meet the needs of the population within their area.  This includes the needs of the gypsy and traveller community.
  
  
• Evidence shows that there is an under-provision of authorised pitches for gypsies and travellers in Stratford-on-Avon District.
  
  
• Evidence (from the Stratford-on-Avon Gypsy and Traveller accommodation Assessment, ORS October 2011) shows that there is a need for:
• 52 new permanent pitches from 2011 to 2016
• At least 25 of these pitches should be available at affordable rents
• Beyond 2016, an average of 2 pitches per year will be needed
• There is no demonstrated need for transit sites or Travelling Showpeople sites in the District.
  
   
• This gives a total of 82 permanent pitches required in the period to 2031.  With 8 pitches being granted permanent planning permission between Sept 2011 and Dec 2013, this leaves 74 pitches to identify.