Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan

Introduction

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and subsequent legislation requires councils to identify sites to meet the accommodation needs of all communities within their area. This includes the needs of the gypsy and traveller community and travelling show people. Policy CS.21 in our adopted Core Strategy sets out general criteria against which proposals for plots will be considered. Our Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan will provide further guidance.

The Council is currently exploring options to identify new permanent sites. See our Local Development Scheme (LDS) for the most up-to-date timetable for the progress of this Plan.

Development Requirements SPD

On 18th October 2021, the Council adopted Part W of the the Development Requirements SPD - Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. This provides detailed advice and guidance to applicants when submitting planning applications relating to Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation. It is used by the District Council to help reach decisions on whether to approve or refuse planning applications. Further information can be found here.

Call for Sites

The Council is now running a ‘call for sites' to seek suggestions from landowners and other interested parties for new Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites across Stratford-on-Avon District. The deadline for submitting sites is Monday 1 March 2021. Any sites submitted will be assessed and used to inform the preparation of the Local Plan. If you wish to submit a site for this purpose please use our Call for Sites Form and email your completed form to planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk.

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) Update 2019

To inform the emerging Gypsy and Traveller Plan, the Council commissioned RRR Consultancy Limited to undertake a GTAA for the period 2019-2035 in order to quantify the accommodation and related support needs of Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. This GTAA was endorsed by Cabinet in June 2019.

This assessment identified a need up to 2035 for between 59-70 additional permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers (depending on the definition used), plus 6 additional Travelling Showpeople plots. The assessment recommends that this need is met within the District in two ways:

1. The intensification and / or extension of existing sites; and
2. The provision of new permanent sites

Find out more

• Core Strategy
• Gypsy and traveller evidence base

This page can be accessed quickly using the short link www.stratford.gov.uk/gandt