Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2036 PDF.

DM3: Gyspy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople Sites.

The Council will make provision for the accommodation needs of Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople, who meet the national Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) definition, through allocated sites within the Local Plan.

In determining all planning applications, only those who meet the PPTS definition of a Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showperson will have weight attributed to the need for a site.

A) New Sites

When considering planning applications for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation, planning permission will be granted where all of the following criteria are met:

  • the site is not in the Green Belt, unless there are very special circumstances;
  • adequate community services and facilities are within reasonable travelling distance; and
  • the site is of sufficient size to accommodate the proposed number of caravans, vehicles and ancillary areas; and
  • there is no significant adverse impact on the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside; and
  • the site would not lead to the loss of, or adverse impact on, important historic and natural environment assets; and
  • there is no significant risk of land contamination or unacceptable risk of flooding; and
  • the site provides a suitable living environment for the proposed residents and there is no significant adverse impact on the amenity of nearby residents; and
  • safe and convenient vehicular access to the local highway network can be provided; and
  • essential services (water, electricity and foul drainage) are available on-site or can be made available on-site; and
  • plots for Travelling Showpeople should also be of a sufficient size to enable the storage, repair and maintenance of equipment.

B) Subdivision of pitches or plots

The sub-division of authorised Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites will also be permitted provided that the following criteria are met:

  • the site is not within the Green Belt unless there are very special circumstances; and
  • the living environment of residents on the proposed site and neighbouring land is protected; and
  • sites are of a suitable size to enable the creation of additional pitches or plots; and
  • there is no significant loss of soft and hard landscaping and amenity provision within the existing site, particularly where conditioned by a previous consent; and
  • there is no significant adverse impact on the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and;
  • there is no adverse impact in terms of highways access and vehicle movement.

C) Change of Use

Planning permission will be refused for the change of use of all Gypsy and Traveller sites or Travelling Showpeople yards identified in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment unless acceptable replacement accommodation can be provided, or it can be demonstrated that the site is no longer required to meet any identified needs.

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.