The application for a Gypsy and Travellers' Site, like all other applications for planning permission, will be assessed on its individual merits in the light of both national and local guidance, including the Government Circular 01/2006, 'Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites'. The Council's own adopted Local Plan 2006 specifically deals with the issue of Gypsy and Travellers Sites in South Holland. Policy HS19 states that:
"Planning permission will be granted for new Gypsy and Traveller sites where there is an unmet need, or a need arises unexpectedly, and provided that the following criteria are satisfied:
- The site is within reasonable distance of a school, shop and other local services.
- Sites should respect the scale of the nearest settled community and should avoid placing undue pressure on the local infrastructure.
- The site would not have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of existing local residents or adjoining land uses.
- The site is already, or is capable of being, successfully assimilated into both its immediate environs and the wider landscape.
- The use of the site would not prejudice highway safety or give rise to problems of parking and highway access.
- The site would have adequate connections to services including drinking water supply, electricity and waste water treatment.
- The site would not be at high risk of flooding or rapid inundation.
Where planning permission is granted careful consideration will be given to the landscaping and boundary treatment of the site, to the treatment of hard surfaced areas and to lighting proposals. The development of any ancillary structures or buildings including stables will be strictly controlled."
Anybody wishing to make representations regarding this application is advised that issues relating to land ownership and property values cannot be taken into account when determining an application for planning permission. Gypsies and Travellers are a recognised ethnic group and the Council has a clear Equalities Policy. Any responses received raising matters relating to race or ethnicity will not be taken into account when the application is determined.
It is currently anticipated that the application will be reported to Development Control Committee on 30 July or 27 August 2008. All representations should be made in writing to the Planning and Development Service or via e-mail to planningadvice@sholland.gov.uk
Representations will be acknowledged in the normal manner and all respondents will be advised of the date of the relevant Development Control Committee once this has been finalised.
