Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Core Strategy

CS16 : Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople

  1. The DMP will identify a local target for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites and make provision for a five year supply of specific deliverable sites and broad locations for growth for years six to ten.
  2. A sequential approach will be taken to identifying suitable sites, with possible sites within the urban area being considered first, then all other countryside not within the Green Belt, then sites in the Green Belt. Any site considered for allocation must be deliverable (including affordable to its intended occupiers) to ensure that needs are met. The lack of any suitable, affordable and deliverable sites in the urban area or other countryside not covered by Green Belt could provide the exceptional circumstances necessary to justify alterations to Green Belt boundaries to meet a specific identified need for a Traveller site.
  3. The following criteria will be used to assess the suitability of sites for allocation in the DMP and any planning applications for sites not allocated:
    1. The site can be integrated into the local area and co-exist with the local community
    2. The site has safe access to the highway and has adequate parking and turning areas
    3. The site provides a satisfactory residential environment for its intended occupiers and on-site utility services for the number of pitches proposed including space for related business activities where applicable
    4. The site is not located in an area of high flood risk, including functional floodplains
    5. There is adequate local infrastructure and access to appropriate healthcare and local schools
    6. The site does not significantly impact on the visual amenity and character of the area or the amenity of neighbouring land uses.
  4. Existing authorised sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople will be safeguarded from development which would preclude their continued occupation by these groups, unless the site is no longer required to meet an identified need.

This policy will be implemented through:

  • DMP policies, including in relation to access and amenity
  • site allocations in the DMP for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites
  • consideration and determination of planning applications and appeals.

Indicators used to monitor this policy will include:

  • proposals for – and the delivery of – additional pitches and plots within the borough and provision of five year supply of sites.

Evidence base:

  • Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment
  • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Core Strategy