Issue - meetings

Report DRR14/108

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published a consultation in September 2014 on the changes to the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) issued in March 2012 alongside the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). 

The report considered by Members set out issues raised by the proposed amendments and included the Council’s recommended responses to the DCLG.

The Head of Planning Strategy, Renewal and Recreation gave an overview of the report. 

Referring to the response at Q1 (page 52), Councillor Scoates queried whether retaining the words ‘or permanently’ in the planning definition of travellers would lead to an increase in the amount of provision required.  Officers advised that potentially breaking up family groups where some members did not travel, could create a greater need for separate accommodation and care.  Councillor Scoates emphasised the importance of obtaining strong evidence to restrict the requirement to provide accommodation for other traveller sites.

Councillor Bosshard referred to the response at Q8 (page 54) and considered this should be changed to ‘yes’ otherwise unauthorised occupiers would presume that approval to retrospective applications would automatically be given.

The Head of Planning Strategy, Renewal and Recreation agreed to expand the suggested response.

RESOLVED that subject to the comments and amendments referred to above, the Council’s proposed responses to the DCLG be endorsed.