GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE. A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment identified the need in Suffolk Coastal for the provision of 31 residential pitches for Gypsy and Traveller families in the period 2006 to 2011. In addition it is suggested that Suffolk Coastal might accommodate a site for transit pitches in the Ipswich/Felixstowe area. In Suffolk Coastal the need is for ‘New Travellers” many of whom have lived within the district for a number of years but without provision of authorised sites. Given the nature of the needs of New Travellers it is unlikely that single, permanent facilities such as would be found on a more traditional authorised Gypsy site will be effective. A creative and, perhaps, more innovative approach is likely to be required working with the Travellers and the local communities to secure a satisfactory outcome. Should this involve specific areas of land, whether sites or broad locations, these will be identified in the Site Allocations and Area Specific Policies Development Plan Document and be the subject of public consultation. With regards to increased pitch provision over time, the Council will rely on updated needs assessment. In respect of travelling showpeople, the Council will liaise directly with The Showmen’s Guild and the owners and occupiers of the one site within the district. If a need for increased provision can be demonstrated, land for Travelling Showpeople would be made in the Site Allocations and Area Specific Policies Development Plan Document. Waveney has one gypsy and traveller site providing 24 residential pitches, located in Kessingland. However, currently there are no transit pitches providing temporary accommodation within Waveney. The needs for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Show-People have been reviewed as part of the Local Development Framework which states that provision should be made for an additional 11 permanent pitches by 2011. Additional pitches are lined up for the existing site at Kessingland and a bid for funding is currently with the HCA. In the longer term a smaller site will be required elsewhere in Waveney.
GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE. In line with the provisions of Circular 01/2006, an Accommodation Needs Assessment was carried out jointly in 2006 with four neighbouring authorities and the County Council. This study identified a need for 5 permanent pitches to be provided across the five authority study area by 2011. This study and those covering the other authorities in the Eastern Region were used by XXXX to inform the preparation of the RSS Single Issue Review. RSS Policies H3 and H4 were subsequently published by the previous Government in 2009. Given the recent revocation of the RSS and impending revision of Circular 01/2006, current Government advice on the quantification of future provision for the district is presently uncertain. However, it should be noted that four private pitches have been granted planning permission in 2008, equating to an increase of over 50% in the previous district-wide number of pitches. Furthermore, the matter of provision features within the current Core Strategy Issues and Options consultation. The Council will fully consider the accommodation needs of both Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople throughout the LDF process, as appropriate. In terms of location, the process will take into account the existing evidence base including, inter alia, the report carried out by Xxxxx Xxxxxx on behalf of the Northern and Eastern Hertfordshire Partnership as Stage 2 of the Accommodation Assessment in 2007 (which sought to find suitable areas in which pitches could be provided to meet Gypsy and Traveller accommodation). Other key issues include land availability; sustainability criteria; the potential for large-scale development opportunities to aid delivery; and planning permissions granted in the interim.
