Decision details

To seek endorsement and approval of a new gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople policy, supporting text and development briefs on two proposed gypsy and traveller site allocations for inclusion within the Development Sites and Policies Plan, and to seek authorisation to undertake a formal consultation for a four-week period.

Government policy requires local planning authorities to set pitch targets for gypsies and travellers and plot targets for travelling showpeople based on an assessment of need and to identify specific deliverable and developable sites through their Local Plan to meet that need. The Traveller Accommodation Assessment for Hampshire 2013 was published in April 2013.  It sets out a requirement for Fareham Borough Council to identify 8 permanent gypsy/traveller pitches, in addition to the 5 pitches that currently have planning permission, for the period to 2027. Site assessments indicate that the established sites have the capacity to accommodate most of these 13 pitches.

For the reasons set out in the Briefing Paper it is proposed to undertake a four-week consultation on the following:

·                A new policy on gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople together with supporting explanatory text;

·                Development site briefs for two proposed gypsy and traveller site allocations at The Retreat, Newgate Lane and 302A Southampton Road;

·                The Technical Note setting out the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment High Level Assessment and the screening for Likely Significant Effects under the Habitats Regulations of the new policy and proposed site allocations.

The comments of the Deputees were taken into account during consideration of this item (see minute 6 above).

Councillor Mrs K Mandry declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest when she addressed the Executive on item 11(1) – Development Sites and Policies Plan: Gypsy and Travellers Policy and Sites Consultation, as she is a personal acquaintance of Mr Gaisford who gave a deputation on the item.

RESOLVED that the Executive authorises a formal four-week consultation on:

·                a new policy on gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople;

·                supporting text setting out the justification for the proposed policy's inclusion and to help aid its interpretation;

·                development site briefs on two proposed gypsy and traveller site allocations at The Retreat, Newgate Lane and 302A Southampton Road;

·                the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment High Level Assessment of the new policy and proposed site allocations; and

·                habitats Regulation Assessment Screening for Likely Significant Effects of the new policy and proposed site allocations.