Offer to landowners in search for Gypsy and Traveller sites

South Norfolk Council is offering landowners the chance to lease or sell land they may have which could become suitable sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

The open approach to landowners is being led by former councillor, Mr Ronnie Hoare, currently Chairman of the Council's Gypsy and Traveller Working Group.

The Council is required by Central Government to provide permanent and transit sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the district.

As part of its preliminary investigations, a council assessment has identified the need for 4 permanent sites and 2 transit sites in South Norfolk.

The assessment also identified the broad areas for locating the permanent sites:

- along the A47 corridor

- along the A11 corridor

- along the Waveney Valley corridor.

Each permanent site will have 6 to 8 pitches where a pitch typically contains a static caravan, a touring caravan and an amenity block.

Each permanent site is between 1.5 to 2 acres, so the Council must find up to a total of 8 acres.

The sites will have suitable infrastructure, will be managed, and will have natural screening, where possible.

Mr Hoare said:

"The Council is fully aware of the need for an even-handed approach between the settled community and the Gypsy and Traveller community.

"Most of the problems that have arisen between the two communities in the past have resulted from occupation of unauthorised sites. These problems have proved very costly to all parties.

"The benefits of providing authorised sites will mean that unauthorised occupation can be promptly and fairly dealt with."

Mr Hoare also pointed out that if the Council and the community moved quickly, the sites that South Norfolk is required to find will attract Central Government funding.

He said:

"There is a degree of urgency in settling this, because Central Government has a finite amount of money available for development grants for these sites. The first councils which have properly drawn up plans and sites, are more likely to get the full amount available."

Having established the broad areas for sites, the Council is now seeking land in lots of 1 to 2 acres, for which it is prepared either to lease or to buy, on attractive terms.

Mr Hoare concluded:

"The Council is naturally seeking to have well-managed, small sites in areas where the settled and travelling community can coexist harmoniously."

But he sounded a final note of concern:

"If the Council and the community fail to provide these sites on a voluntary and agreed basis, it will result in Central Government requiring compulsory purchase.

"That would inevitably result in arbitrary selection of sites, which in turn may not suit any of the parties concerned."

Landowners who have suggestions and preferably the ability to deliver these small parcels of land, should contact Tony Fielder on 01508 533928.

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