Planning for Traveller Sites
Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)
Following the publication of a new Government policy "Planning
Policy for Travellers" the council has undertaken a review of the
need for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation in the borough. The new
Government policy uses the term traveller to refer to both Gypsies
and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and requires provision to
be made for both groups.
As a first step in the process the council consulted on a draft
methodology for the assessment. The consultation took place between
6 June and 4 July 2012. The document was revised to take account of
the comments received and the final document can be downloaded
below:
The next step in the process was to carry out the assessment of
need. This was undertaken in July 2012. The study assesses the need
for Gypsy and Traveller pitches for the period up to 2021. It also
looks at need for transit pitches. The need for plots for
Travelling Showpeople was assessed as part of a Gypsy and Traveller
Accommodation Assessment undertaken in 2006. In response to this
need a site for up to 8 plots has been identified in the
Allocations and Designations Plan at Manton Lane. Consultation on
the Allocations and Designations Plan has not raised issues about
additional need so it was not considered necessary to reassess the
need for this type of accommodation at this time.
The study shows that in the light of the planning permissions
which have been granted at Kempston Hardwick and Meadow Lane there
is no longer a need to identify additional sites through the
development plan process to meet need to 2021.
As a result the Council has resolved to cease work on the Gypsy
and Traveller Sites Plan. The Executive decision can be read in
full at
The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment undertaken in
2010 can be read at
Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2010