New site options in line for gypsies and travellers
Suitable ways to accommodate the future housing needs of Kent’s gypsy and traveller population are being considered. Maidstone council is launching a consultation about how and where such accommodation should be built.
It will take place from Tuesday, February 28 until Monday, April 17.
The local authority is in the process of creating a development plan document which will provide people from the travelling community with site options around Maidstone.
Cllr Paul Cooper (Con), lead member for planning and infrastructure at the council, said: “We will be consulting on the future needs of the gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople communities in the borough which will include promoting an integrated approach between existing and future sites and the
wider local communities. We will be looking at balancing the needs of all communities whilst ensuring that infrastructure is provided and the natural and built environment is protected.” The Shepway member said the exercise was not at this stage about identifying “specific sites or pitches” but instead seeking views on the processes around site identification and assessment.
“We will be looking at the options that may be available to us so that we can meet the identified accommodation needs across the whole borough,” he added.
As part of the consultation there is the opportunity for people to submit sites for consideration as potential options for allocation at the next stage. The online consultation will be available on Let’s Talk Maidstone when it begins. Visit letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com
In August, KentOnline took a deep dive into the complicated debate and the issues facing police and councils when clamping down on unauthorised traveller encampments.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which came into force at the end of June last year, grants law enforcement new powers to tackle illegal pitches.
Full use includes the ability to seize vehicles and arrest people where there is evidence of “significant damage, disruption or distress”.