New Planning Policy Aims to Address Traveller Site Inequalities
Claire Rice investigates the government’s new shake up of Gypsy and Traveller site planning rules – including the change to the current planning definition of ‘gypsy status’ - and gives a guarded thumbs up.
In a move to tackle the long-standing challenges faced by Gypsy and Traveller communities in the UK, the Government has introduced an updated Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, effective December 2024.
These changes are designed to provide fairer and more inclusive processes for planning applications, increase the provision of authorised sites, and hold local authorities accountable for meeting the needs of these communities.
The updated policy is being hailed as a step in the right direction, addressing systemic barriers that have disproportionately affected Gypsies and Travellers for decades. However, while these revisions offer a framework for positive change, advocates warn that the success of the policy depends on robust enforcement and sustained commitment by local councils.
A New, Inclusive Definition of ‘Traveller’
A key aspect of the revised policy is the expansion of the term ‘Traveller.’ The updated definition now includes individuals who have a cultural tradition of nomadism or living in caravans, even if they have ceased travelling permanently or temporarily. This adjustment is significant, as it recognises the realities faced by many in the community who may no longer lead a nomadic lifestyle due to age, ill health, or the need for children to attend school.
For years, the narrower definition excluded a significant portion of the community, leaving many without adequate housing options. Campaigners have long argued that such exclusions perpetuated discrimination. The updated definition is seen as a step towards inclusivity and fairness, aligning with the UK’s legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and human rights frameworks.
Addressing Green Belt Restrictions
Historically, Green Belt development has been a contentious issue, with strict rules preventing traveller sites in these protected areas. The new policy takes a more balanced approach, allowing for the possibility of developments in Green Belt land under exceptional circumstances.
While the core principle of protecting Green Belt areas remains, this change acknowledges the acute shortage of authorised sites and the difficulties many Gypsy and Traveller families face in securing suitable accommodation. The revised policy offers a lifeline to families struggling with overcrowding, unauthorised encampments, or homelessness. However, the policy insists that environmental impacts must be mitigated and that the development respects the character of the surrounding area.
Holding Councils Accountable: The Five-Year Site Supply Rule
Under the new policy, local authorities must maintain a rolling five-year supply of deliverable traveller sites to meet the needs of their local Gypsy and Traveller populations. This is a significant move to ensure that councils take responsibility for planning and providing adequate site provision.
Failure to meet this requirement will activate a “presumption in favour of sustainable development,” meaning planning applications for traveller sites are more likely to be approved, even if they are not allocated in existing plans. This provision is designed to prevent councils from delaying or neglecting their obligations.
Advocates hope this rule will help bridge the gap between policy and practice, forcing councils to prioritise the needs of Gypsies and Travellers in their planning strategies.
Criteria for Fairer Planning Decisions
The revised policy introduces clearer and more robust criteria to guide local councils in making planning decisions. Authorities must now consider factors such as:
• The local need for Traveller sites and existing provisions.
• Whether applicants have alternative accommodation available.
• The personal circumstances of applicants, including health, education, and welfare needs.
• Applications from all Gypsies and Travellers, regardless of whether they have a local connection.
Additionally, the policy stresses that traveller sites should not dominate nearby communities or be located in isolated areas where access to essential services is limited. These guidelines aim to strike a balance between meeting the needs of travellers and addressing concerns raised by settled communities.
Potential Challenges in Implementation
While the updated policy has been welcomed by many, concerns remain about its practical implementation. Campaigners have questioned whether local authorities will be adequately monitored and held accountable for meeting their obligations.
Moreover, the policy’s emphasis on delivering sites in sustainable locations may pose challenges in rural areas, where services are limited, and public opposition to traveller sites can be high. Advocates stress the importance of community education to combat prejudice and foster understanding between Gypsy and Traveller communities and their settled neighbours.
A Step Towards Fairer Treatment
The 2024 revisions to the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites represent a significant step forward in addressing inequalities faced by Gypsies and Travellers. By expanding the definition of ‘traveller,’ easing restrictions on Green Belt development, and introducing stricter accountability measures for councils, the Government has created a framework with the potential to drive real change.
However, the success of these reforms hinges on their enforcement. Without meaningful oversight, the risk remains that councils may continue to neglect their responsibilities, leaving Gypsy and Traveller families without the security and stability they deserve.
For now, campaigners and community advocates will be watching closely, ensuring that these policies deliver on their promise to create a fairer and more inclusive planning system.
The full policy document can be accessed here.
By Claire Rice
(Photograph: Kent Horse Fair 2023 by Eszter Halasi for the Travellers Times)