Plan to support Wiltshire gypsies and travellers approved by Cabinet
It sets out ideas to meet the community's housing needs until 2038
A plan, setting out ways to better support the gypsy and traveller communities of Wiltshire, has got the backing of the Council's cabinet.
It outlines how the authority will look after their housing needs through until 2038.
The document now needs to be approved by the Full Council later this month (Tuesday 25th February), so it can be formally added to the county's Local Plan - which details possible development across Wiltshire.
Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “Like all Local Planning Authorities, we have a statutory duty to provide land to meet the accommodation needs of Wiltshire’s Gypsies and Travellers, including the allocation of sites in development plans.
“The approved plan sets out how these needs will be met and I’m pleased that Cabinet has agreed to take it forward for approval by Full Council on 25th February.
“Following the public debate in the Cabinet meeting, we will request that when assessing the proposed allocations within the Plan, the Inspector takes into account any additional supply of pitches that have been approved since the Regulation 19 consultation.
“We had more than 650 responses to our consultation, which was held from 20 August to 4 October last year, and we also held five in-person engagement events around to county and one online event to enable people to find out more.
“The Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document is a key part of our strategy to meet the housing needs of all community members, including Gypsies, Travellers, and travelling showpeople. It helps us fulfil our obligations and plan for sustainable growth in accordance with national policy and also meets our Business Plan commitment to live well together in cohesive communities.”