The following aims to provide some basic background information by reference to other external sites:
Department of Communities and Local Government ("DCLG")
DCLG is the government department charged with overseeing the work of regional and local government to ensure that there is a balanced approach to tackling the problems associated with unauthorised sites and understand why site provision must go hand in hand with enforcement, whilst providing for the growing G&T population.
The following website provides the background to their work and various reports/publications considering the G&T issue on a national basis: http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingmanagementcare/gypsiesandtravellers/
In 2006, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the following circular to provide "updated guidance on the planning aspects of finding sites for gypsies and travellers and how local authorities and gypsies and travellers can work together to achieve that aim":
Circular 01/06 (ODPM) Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/circulargypsytraveller
East of England Regional Assembly ("EERA")
"In February 2006 the Regional Planning Panel [of EERA] decided to proceed with a single issue review to the emerging East of England Plan to address the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller Communities in the East of England." Background information, including a short video, to the regional consultation and the G&T issues can be found here: http://www.eera.gov.uk/category.asp?cat=583
As part of EERA's consultation process on the Issues and Options document "Planning for Gypsy and Traveller accomodation in the East of England", a series of 'public engagement events' were held to raise awareness and encourage constructive responses. The Bedfordshire event was held on 4 June 2007 and the following documents are available online:
Presentation at the meeting
Questions and Answers following presentation
Revised draft policy submitted to Government
Information on the revised draft policy and supporting documentation submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 15 February 2008 can be found here: http://www.eera.gov.uk/category.asp?cat=722
Examination in Public ("EiP")
The Government's subsequent consultation on EERA's draft policy to address the needs of Gypsy and Traveller communities in the East of England ended on Friday 16th May 2008. The Secretary of State has decided that an EiP should be held to a discuss the draft policy further. The date for the EiP has arranged for the week beginning 20 October 2008 and will be held in The Spirella Ballroom, The Spirella Building, Bridge Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 4ET. It will be carried out by an independent Panel, appointed by the Secretary of State, of Corinne Swain, OBE, MA(Cantab), MPhil, FRTPI (Panel Chair) and David Baldock, MA DiPTP DMS MRTPI (Panel Inspector). The Panel Secretary will be Barbara Bay. Further information on this process can be found at http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/rss/east_of_england_gypsy/index.htm It is noted the above does not consider individual sites - only the overall number of sites to be provided in each District.
Mid Beds District Council ("MBDC")
Priory House
Monks Walk Chicksands, SHEFFORD Beds SG17 5TQ T 08452 304040
MBDC are obliged, though the Housing Act 2004 and the circular 01/06 (above), to consider the needs of Gypsy and Travellers alongside the needs of the settled population, in the district in line with Government guidelines. Subsequently they are required to consider the provision of an additional number sites (if required) to be constructed over the next five years. This equates to 25 pitches (of which 3 have already been provided, therefore 22 still required) in the MBDC area.
For complete information on the process carried out to date and the MBDC approach for the next stage, please refer to their Gypsy & Traveller Development Plan Document webpage: http://www.midbeds.gov.uk/Planning/LDF/Gypsy_and_Traveller_Development_Plan_Document.aspx
Further information can also be obtained from the following local organisations:
Arlesey Town Council
Stotfold Town Council
Fairfield Park Residents Association ("FPRA")
Fairfield Hall Residents Association ("FHRA")
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