Gypsy and Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople Call For Sites
Lancaster Gypsy and Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople Call For Sites
Lancaster City Council has been intending to prepare a Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) to identify land to accommodate Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the District. We have been running a call for sites for several years now but have received few sites for consideration. Whilst, we are not in a position to proceed with a DPD at present, the call for sites will remain open and we will continue to explore any submitted sites plus other sites which arise through our own research.
The ongoing ‘call for sites’ process 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. Proposals could be for either new sites or an expansion or intensification of an existing site. Proposals are invited for permanent residential sites or transit sites / temporary stopping places.
All sites submitted will undergo an assessment against specific criteria to assess their potential suitability. Sites will be expected to accord with adopted policy DM9: Accommodation for Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the Development Management Development Plan Document. Policy DM9 sets out general development and design principles and the following locational requirements:
- Proposals can achieve safe and satisfactory access onto the highway network which is also suitable for use by trailers and caravans;
- The site is located within reasonable proximity (preferably within walking distance) of public transport facilities and services in order to access GP and other health services, education, employment and training, and other essential services;
- The site is in a location where it will not cause significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring properties; VII. The site is situated in a location that would enable satisfactory living conditions for intended occupants including appropriate consideration of flood risk, land contamination, land stability, and the integrity of important nature sites; and
- The site is not located in areas where there are potential amenity or land compatibility issues (e.g. proximity to waste disposal facilities, electricity pylons, and industrial areas). Where potential conflict is identified individual risk assessments must be carried out to identify whether mitigation can be achieved.
Submitting a site for consideration does not guarantee that it will be found suitable or that it will be allocated as part of a DPD. Any sites that are included within a DPD will still be required to follow the normal planning procedures in securing planning permission.