Joint approach to managing traveller need
| Published: 19th March 2007 10:32 |
Local authorities in South and West Hertfordshire are joining forces to respond to a needs assessment prepared by the University of Birmingham Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, which identified that there was a need for additional site provision for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the area.
Providing additional pitches in Hertsmere to meet identified needs is now a requirement for local authorities under national planning guidance. Although it is widely accepted that well managed pitches can be of real benefit to the local Gypsy and Travelling community, local authorities throughout Hertfordshire are determined to ensure there is a partnership approach with extensive local consultation before committing to any new sites.
In response to the needs assessment, the local authorities in South and West Hertfordshire - Hertsmere, Dacorum, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford together with the County Council, employed an independent firm of planning consultants, Scott Wilson, to prepare a report on potential sites throughout the area. That report has now been finalised and is being published by the local authorities.
Cllr Dr Spencer Pitfield, portfolio holder for Transportation and Planning, said: "Providing additional sites is a requirement of local authorities, not an option. However we intend to undertake this duty sensitively, ensuring there is plenty of opportunity for discussion and consultation before decisions are made. We are working to address the level of need for authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers in this area and the eventual identification of sites should make it considerably easier for councils to take successful enforcement action against any unauthorised sites. It is important to remember that Gypsies and Travellers have the right to be able to access the same services and facilities as the settled community and many are protected under the Race Relations Act. If we do not take a positive approach to identify some additional sites in suitable locations we could have solutions imposed upon us."
Cllr Pitfield added: "It is important to remember that the Scott Wilson report considers all potential areas in South and West Hertfordshire, but that doesn't mean there will automatically be a traveller site placed there in the future. We are all still going through the report and do not automatically accept its findings. The report simply is part of an evidence gathering exercise for our local development documents and will help inform our future decisions.
"Each local authority has a responsibility through the planning process to identify some additional Gypsy and Traveller sites. Saying no is not an option. I do appreciate this is a sensitive area both for residents and the travelling community. This report will guide us and, of course, we will be consulting with local residents and the Gypsy and Traveller community to create the best solution."
Richard Grove, Head of Planning and Building Control, said: "There is a legal planning process we all have to go through, and it is not quick or easy. This report is simply the initial phase. We will be preparing what is known as a Site Allocations Development Plan Document: There will be a preferred options report, which will go out for consultation. Once amended, the report has to be approved by councillors before being submitted to the Secretary of State for independent public examination. That will be presided over by an Inspector who can make legally binding recommendations that the council would have to adopt.
"By taking this proactive approach we aim to create a situation most suitable for Hertsmere and the community we serve. We have to plan positively rather than have sites allocated to us on appeal or decisions made for us by the Secretary of State.
"Authorised and managed pitches for Gypsies and Travellers can be a real benefit to the transient community and local residents alike as they provide specific facilities suited to the needs of Gypsies and Travellers. They can help minimise any disruption to the settled community and make it easier for the council to take action against any unauthorised encampments. The Scott Wilson report identifies a long list of potential sites. We will be going through this report and in consultation with the local community will aim to identify a small number of sites for inclusion in Site Allocations Documents."
Providing additional pitches in Hertsmere to meet identified needs is now a requirement for local authorities under national planning guidance. Although it is widely accepted that well managed pitches can be of real benefit to the local Gypsy and Travelling community, local authorities throughout Hertfordshire are determined to ensure there is a partnership approach with extensive local consultation before committing to any new sites.
In response to the needs assessment, the local authorities in South and West Hertfordshire - Hertsmere, Dacorum, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford together with the County Council, employed an independent firm of planning consultants, Scott Wilson, to prepare a report on potential sites throughout the area. That report has now been finalised and is being published by the local authorities.
Cllr Dr Spencer Pitfield, portfolio holder for Transportation and Planning, said: "Providing additional sites is a requirement of local authorities, not an option. However we intend to undertake this duty sensitively, ensuring there is plenty of opportunity for discussion and consultation before decisions are made. We are working to address the level of need for authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers in this area and the eventual identification of sites should make it considerably easier for councils to take successful enforcement action against any unauthorised sites. It is important to remember that Gypsies and Travellers have the right to be able to access the same services and facilities as the settled community and many are protected under the Race Relations Act. If we do not take a positive approach to identify some additional sites in suitable locations we could have solutions imposed upon us."
Cllr Pitfield added: "It is important to remember that the Scott Wilson report considers all potential areas in South and West Hertfordshire, but that doesn't mean there will automatically be a traveller site placed there in the future. We are all still going through the report and do not automatically accept its findings. The report simply is part of an evidence gathering exercise for our local development documents and will help inform our future decisions.
"Each local authority has a responsibility through the planning process to identify some additional Gypsy and Traveller sites. Saying no is not an option. I do appreciate this is a sensitive area both for residents and the travelling community. This report will guide us and, of course, we will be consulting with local residents and the Gypsy and Traveller community to create the best solution."
Richard Grove, Head of Planning and Building Control, said: "There is a legal planning process we all have to go through, and it is not quick or easy. This report is simply the initial phase. We will be preparing what is known as a Site Allocations Development Plan Document: There will be a preferred options report, which will go out for consultation. Once amended, the report has to be approved by councillors before being submitted to the Secretary of State for independent public examination. That will be presided over by an Inspector who can make legally binding recommendations that the council would have to adopt.
"By taking this proactive approach we aim to create a situation most suitable for Hertsmere and the community we serve. We have to plan positively rather than have sites allocated to us on appeal or decisions made for us by the Secretary of State.
"Authorised and managed pitches for Gypsies and Travellers can be a real benefit to the transient community and local residents alike as they provide specific facilities suited to the needs of Gypsies and Travellers. They can help minimise any disruption to the settled community and make it easier for the council to take action against any unauthorised encampments. The Scott Wilson report identifies a long list of potential sites. We will be going through this report and in consultation with the local community will aim to identify a small number of sites for inclusion in Site Allocations Documents."
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