Lancaster City Council makes a call for sites for future gypsy and traveller communities
Lancaster City Council is asking for the community’s help to identify potential sites across the district which could meet the needs of existing and future gypsy and traveller communities.
As part of the local plan for Lancaster district, the council is preparing a further development plan document (DPD) which will identify land for Gypsy and Traveller communities.
As part of this process, the council is undertaking a ‘call for sites’ which provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest any sites that they consider might be suitable for allocation as a Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showperson site. Suggestions could be for either new sites or an expansion or intensification of an existing site. Suggestions are invited for permanent residential sites or transit sites / temporary stopping places.
Coun Janice Hanson, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and regeneration, said: “The council has responsibilities for planning to meet all the housing needs of the district. The Local Plan for Lancaster District must identify suitable places to live and work for all and whilst there are long established Gypsy and Traveller communities in the area, the plan still needs to ensure that it allocates enough land to meet their future needs.
“It is therefore vitally important that the community helps us to identify the sites which are available so their suitability can be investigated.”
More information on how to submit a potential site can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/gypsy-and-traveller-accommodation Alternatively please send representations by email to planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk or by post to Planning and Housing Policy Team, Regeneration and Planning Service, Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, PO Box 4, Dalton square, Lancaster, LA1 1QR
The deadline for suggesting potential sites is Friday 22 June 2018.
It should be noted that submitting a site for consideration does not guarantee that it will be found suitable or that it will be allocated as part of the emerging DPD. All sites submitted will undergo a rigorous assessment against specific criteria to assess their potential suitability.
Any sites that are included within the DPD would still be required to follow the normal planning procedures in securing planning permission.
It is expected that consultation on a draft Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations DPD will happen towards the end of this year.
Last updated: 19 June 2018