18.12 This needs assessment has provided evidence to support the need for a repertoire of provision. Some respondents expressed preferences for small sites, some for larger ones. Most respondents wanted to develop a private site for themselves and their family; some expressed preferences for sites managed by Gypsies and Travellers; others thought this would not be a good idea. New site provision should cater as far as possible for the variety of needs and preferences which result from the diversity of the local Gypsy and Traveller population. This means variety of site tenure, site size, location and design.
18.13 Following the receipt of the GTAA, members of the local Gypsy and Traveller communities should be approached for their future participation in
consultation exercises on how to take the findings forward. This is particularly important when looking at the location of potential sites, both social and
private. The most successful consultations will occur only if there are tangible areas of land to be discussed and consulted upon.50
18.14 Clearly the process of developing accommodation to meet the need identified here will require significant funding. If sites/pitches are to be socially rented, funding will be applied for from the Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant held by Communities and Local Government. If socially rented sites are to be developed, those officers and agencies leading the planning, design and development of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation should involve the Gypsy and Traveller population in all stages.
50
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Appendix 1:
Local Plan Policies on Gypsy Site Provision
The Gateshead Unitary Development Plan, July 2007 Policy H11
Provision for gypsies and travelling showpeople will be permitted where: a) there is satisfactory access, within reasonable and practicable
walking distance, to facilities, including schools and shops; b) the site would not be subject to unacceptable levels of noise, air
pollution, smell or contamination;
c) there would not be an unacceptable impact on local amenity; and d) a satisfactory standard of landscaping, access, servicing,
sanitation and refuse facilities is achieved.
Newcastle upon Tyne Unitary Development Plan, January 1998 H1.6 Gypsy accommodation
The provision of further permanent and/or transit accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers will be considered if the need arises. Proposals will be allowed provided that they:
A. Have satisfactory access to essential community facilities, including schools and shops;
B. Would not harm the amenity or character of the surrounding area; C. Meet satisfactory standards for every user in respect of space for
general domestic purposes, and essential services including water and sanitation; and
D. Provide satisfactory site boundaries, landscaping, vehicle and pedestrian access, parking and circulation.
North Tyneside Unitary Development Plan, 2002 Policy H14
Proposals for Gypsy caravan sites will only be approved where all of the following criteria can be met:
I. The proposed site is not in the Green Belt; and
II. The proposal would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding area; and
III. That adequate provision could be made for vehicular access, parking and circulation; and
IV. That there would be no adverse environmental impact arising from the proposal; and
V. That there would be no conflict with statutory undertakers or agricultural interests; and
VI. That services could be made available; and
VII. That the site characteristics are consistent with the advice
contained in Annex B to Circular 1/94 (Gypsy Sites and Planning).
South Tyneside Unitary Development Plan, 1999 Policy H9
Planning applications for the development of Gypsy caravan sites will be granted only where the local planning authority is satisfied that:
A. The proposed site is not in the Green Belt;
B. No avoidable environmental impact will result from the implementation of the scheme;
C. Proposed vehicular and pedestrian access and car parking provision are consistent with the standards specified in this Plan; D. The amenity of the occupants of any dwellings nearby will not be
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E. There would be no potential conflict with statutory undertakers of agricultural interests;
F. The layout of the proposed development is consistent with advice contained in Annex B of Circular 1/94;
G. The proposed development is consistent with all other policies and proposals in this Plan; and
H. Means of surface and foul water drainage, consistent with the scale of development, are available, or will be made available, in time to serve the completed site prior to its occupation
.
Sunderland Unitary Development Plan, 1998 Policy H20
Proposals for the development of Gypsy sites will normally only be approved where there are no serious adverse effects on local amenity and provided that the sites are:
i. Visually unintrusive;
ii. Adequately screened and landscaped;
iii. Accessible to shops, community facilities and other services. In all cases, proposals must include a hard surfaced vehicular access and make provision for parking, utility services, sanitation and refuse storage facilities adequate for the anticipated level of use.
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