Amidst all the
fuss and bother over the launch of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
last week, the Government also published new guidance for traveller sites on
the same day. Hiding bad news perchance?
Anyway, this document sets out the Government’s new planning
policy and should be read in conjunction with the National Planning Policy
Framework.
The Government’s overarching aim is to ensure fair and equal treatment
for travellers, in a way that facilitates the traditional and nomadic way of
life of travellers while respecting the interests of the settled community. The
inclusion of facilities for travellers should be included in any emerging Local
Plans.
Some of the key points are as follows:
“Local planning authorities
should set pitch targets for gypsies and travellers and plot targets for
travelling show people which address the likely permanent and transit site
accommodation needs of travellers in their area, working collaboratively with
neighbouring local planning authorities”.
“When assessing the suitability
of sites in rural or semi-rural settings, local planning authorities should
ensure that the scale of such sites does not dominate the nearest settled
community”.
“If there is a lack of affordable
land to meet local traveller needs, local planning authorities in rural areas,
where viable and practical, should consider allocating and releasing sites
solely for affordable traveller sites, including using a rural exception site
policy for traveller sites that should also be used to manage applications. A
rural exception site policy enables small sites to be used, specifically for
affordable traveller sites, in small rural communities, that would not normally
be used for traveller sites”.
“Inappropriate development is
harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved, except in very special
circumstances. Traveller sites (temporary or permanent) in the Green Belt are
inappropriate development”.
“Local planning authorities
should strictly limit new traveller site development in open countryside that
is away from existing settlements or outside areas allocated in the development
plan. Local planning authorities should ensure that sites in rural areas
respect the scale of, and do not dominate the nearest settled community, and
avoid placing an undue pressure on the local infrastructure”.
The document can
be accessed here:
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