Council starts work on Gypsy and Traveller Plan
Winchester City Council is about to commence preparation of its Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Plan and is inviting anyone with an interest in this matter to comment on what the Plan should cover.
The purpose of the Plan is to allocate land for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation requirements, in accordance with the Council’s Local Plan and government advice in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.
The Council has published a study of possible sites but is also inviting anyone that wants to suggest suitable sites to be considered for Gypsy and Traveller use to submit them by 12 December 2016. All details including the evidence for the number of number of pitches to be provided and the assessment of potential sites can be found at http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning-policy/local-plan-part-2/traveller-site-assessment-study-call-sites/
The Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment Vicki Weston welcomed the start of the Plan:
The gypsy and travelling communities are part of the fabric of the national community and therefore a responsibility of the District to provide for their local needs. The Plan will also give the Council more say over which sites are suitable and help us to reject those that are not suitable.
The Council is anticipating being able to consult on a draft plan in Spring 2017.