ODPM takes Gypsies and Travellers’ side in sites row

The ODPM this week took the side of Gypsies and Travellers in their long-running row with councils over provision of sites, demanding local authorities provide an extra 300 sites.

Deputy prime minister John Prescott’s department also criticised councils for their poor attitudes to planning applications submitted for Gypsy and Traveller sites.

A good practice guide, Diversity in Equality and Planning, published on Monday pointed out that councils reject most applications for new sites despite passing most other bids. ODPM figures from 2002 reveal a shortage of 4500 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers – this translates into 300 sites.

The ODPM has demanded councils set up an extra 500 pitches by 2008.

The guide says: “Unrealistic policies are an issue some local authorities need to address.”

John Wilson, assistant director for the Gypsy and Traveller service, with housing association Novas Group, welcomed the changes but said with no statutory duty they may be ineffective.

The only duty councils currently have under the Housing Act 2004 is to assess the need for sites in their areas and identify land on which to establish them.

He said: “There is a clear need for local authorities to take proactive steps in delivering authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

It is not untypical to find sites in remote locations, such as next to a waste sewage plant or by the side of a busy carriageway.”

A survey last year by the University of Sheffield showed Gypsies and Travellers are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems, chest pain and miscarriages than the population at large.

Andrew Ryder, policy and development worker for the Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition, said: “The shortage of site provision is a major factor in those figures. Planning has been a problem for everyone and I’m glad the government is doing something now.”