Agenda item

A briefing note is attached. A senior planning officer (Meghan Rossiter) will attend to answer questions.  

David Trigwell (Divisional Director, Planning and Transport) introduced this item and also introduced Meghan Rossiter who had been seconded to the planning department to work on this issue. The officer explained that the Council were in a vulnerable position in the absence of a policy on sites for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople. As the authority progresses through the timetable in the Local Development Plan, the evidence gathered to deliver sites will also help the Council to defend itself against inappropriate sites.

Councillor Tim Ball admitted that the issue had caused difficulties for the Council over many years. He pointed out that some of those living in caravans were local homeless people, not travellers, who had integrated well into the  community and whose children attended local schools. He informed the meeting that he had an illegal site in his ward, but that moves were in hand to turn it into a legal site.

A representative from Clutton asked what the planning department did with illegal sites. The officer replied that some sites could be changed into legal sites if necessary and acceptable. As the local authority has not yet framed a policy on these sites, it is difficult to defend any action at appeal as B&NES has no alternative provision to offer. This is why the Council must determine where the sites are.

The representative from Clutton asked what was done about illegal pitches once the agreed number of legal pitches had been identified. The officer replied that once a policy was adopted, anyone could bring forward a proposal to amend that policy. Councillor Gerry Curran (Chair of the Development Control Committee) added that the authority did not have provision for enough sites and that the policy needed updating. If identified sites were included in the Core Strategy, then it put the Council in a stronger position. Although some of the illegal sites might become legal in the future, the Council intended to prosecute if necessary.

Councillor Geoff Ward (Bathavon North Ward) asked if the assessment had been completed, and if so, what number of sites had been advised. The officer replied that 22 pitches had been suggested, but it would be up to the inspector to decide if that number was adequate. 

A representative from Radstock Town Council pointed out that many of the travelling people were destitute and that they often missed out on education and healthcare. The situation would improve if sites were regulated. The officer informed the meeting that Ashley Ayre (Director of People and Communities) was looking into this issue and seeking to ensure that the sites’ criteria included access to health and education services. 

The Chief Executive added that with permanent sites it would be easier to ensure that the Council fulfilled its obligations with respect to the safeguarding of adults and children.

A representative from Corston pointed out that there were a lot of travellers who lived on the boats on the canal and the river Avon. The officer said that river sites were not covered by current planning policy, but it was hoped to remedy this in the future. Councillor Ball added that the issue was also being considered by national government.