Providing Gypsy and Traveller sites: contentious spaces Jo Richardson

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Local authorities are now required to undertake Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessments and, where a need for more pitches and sites is established, to incorporate these into Local Plans. Gypsy and Traveller sites: contentious spaces provides up-to-date advice and examples of how Gypsy and Traveller sites in England are being developed as an integral part of overall housing provision.

The research in six case study areas on which this report is based focused on:

• Setting a positive context for debate - addressing the public and the local media perception of Gypsies and Travellers.
  
  
• Effective management of sites and unauthorised encampments and developments - where existing sites are seen to be well-managed, this can lead to a more positive local understanding of Gypsies and Travellers and helps the community trust the council when it proposes new sites.
  
  
• Effective consideration of new sites - good communication policies setting out clear and simple criteria for new site selection are important in promoting positive responses to proposals, while poorly-managed consultation can undermine plans.
  
  
• Clear leadership - leadership from senior level local authority officers, councillors, leaders of councils, and portfolio holders for housing or equality issues is critical in setting a positive tone for addressing Gypsy and Traveller housing needs.
  
  

The report goes on to provide a set of practical ‘foundation stones’ (or essential requirements) and sample ‘cases’ that can be used when new sites and/or redevelopment of existing sites are being proposed.

ISBN: 978-1-905018-58-1 / 978-1-905018-59-8   Order no: 247   Published: October 2007

Contents

Chapter One: Introduction

• Definitions
• Background
• Housing and planning policy context
• Recent history of barriers to local authority site provision
• Key current legislation and policy
• Literature review - current reports and guidance
• Conclusion

Chapter Two: Research design and case studies

• Introduction
• Research design
• Case study portraits
• Conclusion

Chapter Three: Introduction

• The context for Gypsies and Travellers
• NIMBY/NIMTO
• Conflict mapping
• From conflict to cohesion
• Conclusion

Chapter Four: Findings: Providing Gypsy and Traveller sites

• Introduction
• Theme One: Context for debate: public media perception of Gypsies and Travellers
• Theme Two: Managing sites, unauthorised encampments and unauthorised developments
• Theme Three: Proposing new sites: good communication policies with clear and simple criteria for site selection
• Theme Four: Strong leadership: from councillors and senior executive
• Conclusion

Chapter Five: Conclusions and Policy Implications

• Introduction
• Foundation Stone One: Setting a positive context for debate
• Foundation Stone Two: Management of authorised sites and unauthorised encampments and developments
• Foundation Stone Three: Effective consideration of new sites and positive communications policies
• Foundation Stone Four: Strong leadership
• Guidance for decision-makers
• Education and support for officers
• The process for developing Gypsy and Travellers sites
• Conclusion