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Wiltshire Local Development Framework Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B April 2014
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Page 1: Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document€¦ · Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B

Wiltshire LocalDevelopmentFramework

Wiltshire Gypsy and TravellerDevelopment Plan Document

Sustainability AppraisalScoping Report Addendum

Appendix B

April 2014

Page 2: Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document€¦ · Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B

Information about Wiltshire Council services can be made available in other formats (such as large print or audio) and languages on request. Please contact the council on 0300 456 0100, by textphone on (01225) 712500 or by email on [email protected].

Wiltshire Council

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 1  

Appendix B: Baseline - North and West Housing Market Area (HMA) Gypsy and Traveller profile Appendix B contains a profile of Gypsies and Travellers in the North and West Housing Market Area (HMA). The map below shows all 3 HMAs in Wiltshire. A summary of the information contained in this area profile is presented in Section 4 of the main SA Scoping Report addendum.

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 2  

North and West HMA Profile 1. Spatial context 1.1 The North and West HMA is the area North of Calne and West of Devizes, it includes

the community areas of Malmesbury, Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, Calne, Corsham, Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury and Warminster.

1.2 The North and West housing market area (HMA) ‘looks’ West and has strong

relationships with the City of Bath and the major regional centre of Bristol. The M4 and links to the M5 have influences on this area.

1.3 The 2006 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTAA) found that as a result of the good transportation links and access to key settlements that exists in northern areas of the county, Irish Travellers are more likely to settle in this area. They are generally more mobile and follow employment opportunities. Irish Travellers are most likely to own their own pitch or site as a result of higher income levels. As part of the 2014 GTAA information will be sought on the different groups that make up the traveller population in Wiltshire to ensure there is a good understanding of the differing needs of traveller communities.

2. 2010 Issues and General Approach consultation 2.1 Representations received during the Issues and General Approach consultation in

2010 have been taken into consideration as part of this area profile work. Representations that made specific reference to issues in the North and West were received from eight parish councils and one organisation. All made comment on the geographical distribution of sites in Wiltshire, with the North and West having a higher allocation than other areas. Some felt that the distribution was ‘disproportionate’, ‘uneven’, ‘unbalanced’ and that this area is ‘subject to far greater pressure than other districts’. Some comments asked that the under-provision in other areas be addressed as a priority so the sites are more evenly distributed across the county.

2.2 There has historically been a higher provision of pitches in the North and West and

the Site Allocations DPD aims to address the under-provision in the South and East of Wiltshire. There will be early and continuous communication and engagement with parish councils, stakeholders and the community to ensure people understand why pitches are required and distributed in the way that is proposed (see the communications strategy for more information).

3. Caravan counts 3.1 The twice-yearly count takes place in January and July, recording the number of

caravans on both authorised and unauthorised sites across Wiltshire. Table 1 shows the caravan count data from 2009 – 2013 for the North and West HMA.

3.2 The caravan count figures offer a ‘snapshot in time’ of the number of caravans in

Wiltshire on two days each year. The count is requested by DCLG and data is collated nationally1. It needs to be made clear that this is snapshot data, showing the

                                                            1 http://data.gov.uk/dataset/count_of_gypsy_and_traveller_caravans

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 3  

situation on the given day. This information is useful as it identifies the number and distribution of travellers in Wiltshire.

Table 1: Bi-annual Caravan Counts for the North and West of Wiltshire North and West 2011 2012 2013 2014 January July January July January July January Council managed 63 50 54 42 52 55 52

Authorised 136 141 149 154 175 177 185 Authorised Travelling Showpeople

10 0 8 0 0 0 13

Unauthorised

Development 6 3 13 6 4 2 2

Unauthorised Travelling Showpeople

0 0 0 0 10 0 0

Unauthorised Encampments

Report Unavailable

3 2 0 4 5 4

Total number of caravans 215 197 226 202 245 239 256

3.3 The number of caravans counted at authorised sites has steadily increased from 136

in January 2011 to 185 in January 2014. This is in line with the increase in the number of planning permissions granted (see Table 2). There is consistently a low level of unauthorised developments and encampments in the North and West area. Council managed sites have a relatively similar number of caravans counted throughout the time period.

Figure 2: Bi-annual caravan count for North and West HMA

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Jan '11 July '11 Jan '12 July '12 Jan '13 July '13 Jan '14

Nu

mb

er o

f C

ara

van

s

Caravan Count

Council managed

Authorised

Authorised Showpeople

Unauthorised development

Unauthorised showpeople

Unauthorised encampments

Total number of caravans

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 4  

Figure 3 – Gypsy and Traveller sites in the North and West HMA

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 5  

3.4 Data from the January 2014 caravan count is displayed geographically in figure 3 with colour-coding to show the status of the development or encampment.

3.5 The number of caravans per household is assumed on average to be 1.6 on

permanent residential sites, and it is assumed that on average there are 1.4 caravans per household while families are travelling and for unauthorised developments2.

4. Council managed sites 4.1 There are two local authority managed sites in the North and West. The location of

the sites can be seen in figure 3. 4.2 The sites are well utilised and are often at capacity. Pitch occupancy rates on each

site from the period 2012 – 2014, can be seen in table 2. The data is collected at the same time as the caravan count.

Table 2: Pitch Occupancy Levels at council Managed Sites

Site January 2012 July 2012 January 2013

July 2013 January 2014

Occupied pitches

Vacant

pitches

Occupied pitches

Vacant

pitches

Occupied pitches

Vacant

pitches

Occupied pitches

Vacant

pitches

Occupied pitches

Vacant

pitches

Thingley

23

0

23

0

23

0

23

0

23

0

Fairhaven

7

0

7

0

7

0

7

0

6

1

4.3 Applications for pitches on council sites are recorded on a county-wide level,

although some applicants request a specific site as part of the application process. In 2013 there were 30 applications to Wiltshire Council for a local authority pitch. Of these 30 applications, 6 requested a pitch at Thingley or Fairhaven. Two of the applicants were of ‘no fixed abode’, 3 from addresses in Chippenham and 1 from Bonnie Park traveller site.

4.4 The Traveller Liaison team at Wiltshire Council have encountered an increase in

applications in the last year (26 applications in 2011 and 24 in 2012). This is put down to an increase in awareness of the refurbishment works currently taking place at local authority sites in Wiltshire making them more desirable places to live.

4.5 These permanent sites have been in operation for 30-40 years so are currently being

updated to provide a higher standard of living. Wiltshire Council has been successful in securing funding from the Homes and Communities Agency for the refurbishment of the sites. In July 2012 funding was awarded for the refurbishment of 23 pitches at Thingley and to provide 8 additional pitches, as well as refurbishment of 7 pitches at Fairhaven, these will be available in summer 2014.

                                                            2 These assumptions are consistent with national research and other GTAAs. A full explanation is available in TP16 addendum (paragraph 4.2 -4.3).

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 6  

5. Authorised development 5.1 A summary of the full and temporary permissions granted on a yearly basis in the

North and West of Wiltshire are shown in table 3. Table 3: Number of pitches granted permanent or temporary permission from 2006 – 2013

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Permanent permission

2 20 2 19 1 21 27 2

Temporary Permission

0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0

Total no of pitches

2 20 2 21 1 22 27 2

5.2 There are 33 permitted sites in the North and West HMA – details and site history

can be found in table 4 below. The geographical location of all authorised sites can be seen in figure 3.

Table 4: North and West HMA authorised sites Site Status Notes Bournelake Privately

funded with planning

permission

Bournelake has been a traveller site since the early 1990’s if not before. Gaps in records mean we are unable to present the full site history. In 1987 an application for use of land for 12 pitch caravan site was refused. In 1994 a change of use approved to provide 6 additional gypsy caravan pitches. As this is permission for additional pitches it can be inferred that permission was granted between 1987 and 1994 for an unknown number of pitches. In 2002 two additional pitches were given permanent permission, the planning conditions state that the pitches are for gypsy/ traveller use only. Records show that 15 pitches in total have permission on this site.

Land at Greenfield View

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2002 retrospective application approved for 2 mobile homes, 4 caravans and 2 amenity blocks. The occupation of the site is limited to persons of gypsy or traveller status

Land at Four Oaks

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 1993 permission was granted for 6 gypsy caravan pitches and associated buildings In 1996 Permission granted for a 6 pitch gypsy site In 2000 permission granted for an additional 4 transit pitches and a childrens play area In 2012 permission granted for an additional 5 pitches and outbuildings. Conditions state that the occupation of the site is limited to persons of gypsy traveller status.

Christian Place

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2000 an application for 3 caravans was refused, but allowed on appeal in 2001 A variation to this permission was applied for in 2003, which was refused but allowed on appeal in 2004 – giving permission for 4 caravans.

Land at Privately In 2004 an application for the retention of 2 gypsy caravans was

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 7  

Orchard Paddock

funded with planning

permission

refused, but allowed on appeal.

Pudding Brook

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2004 an application for change of use of land on a permanent basis for two mobile homes, two day rooms, two touring caravans and play area was refused but allowed on appeal. The occupation of the site is limited to persons of gypsy traveller status.

Melbourne View

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2005 an application for the siting of one mobile home and two touring caravans for residential occupation by single romany traveller family was refused but allowed on appeal. In 2007 a variation of previous permission relating to no more than five touring caravans, was refused but allowed on appeal. In 2008 a change of use of land for enlarging existing gypsy caravan site for 3 extra touring caravans, was refused but granted on appeal. In 2011 change of use of land for enlarging existing gypsy site for 1 extra touring caravan and improvements to site granted permission.

Land adjoining Swindon and Cricklade Railway

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2007 a change of use of land for the siting of two caravans, associated hardstanding, septic tank and utility room for use as a private gypsy site was refused but allowed on appeal.

Field 7920 Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2007 a change of Use to 16 Pitch Gypsy Caravan Site, Construction of 16 Day Rooms and Septic Tanks was refused, but allowed on appeal.

The Paddock Privately

funded with planning

permission

In 2008 an application for change of use to a residential gypsy site (2 pitches) was refused, but allowed on appeal.

Bridge Paddocks

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2010 site was permitted at appeal for one pitch, for persons of gypsy/ traveller status

Purdys Farm Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2008 temporary permission was granted for a 2 pitch gypsy site. In 2011 a variation of the condition was applied for, which was granted permission making the site permanent.

The Caravan Privately

funded with planning

permission

In 2009 five year temporary permission was granted for 1 mobile home. Permission ends 31 December 2014

Frampton Farm

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2008 three year temporary permission was granted for the change of use of land for one gypsy pitch. In 2009 an application to remove the condition for temporary permission was refused, but permanent permission for 1 pitch was granted at appeal. In June 2012 an application for two additional gypsy pitches was granted permission. In October 2012 an application for change of use of land for two gypsy pitches was permitted.

Rose Field Caravan Site

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2012 an application for change of use to a caravan site for occupation by six gypsy and traveller families with associated works was permitted on appeal.

Land at Chelworth

Privately funded with

In 2010 an application for change of use of land to accommodate 16 gypsy and traveller pitches and associated works was approved on

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 8  

Lodge planning permission

appeal.

Calcutt Stables

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2010 an application for change of use to include the stationing of caravans for 14 residential gypsy pitches with utility/day room buildings and hard standing was granted temporary permission (two years). In 2011 an application to make the site permanent was granted permission.

Former Glenville Nurseries

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2009 an application for change of use of land for 7 mobile homes for British Romany gypsy families and associated development was granted permission.

Lansdowne Privately

funded with planning

permission

In 2002 permanent permission was granted for two gypsy mobile homes and day room for a single family unit.

Bonnie Farm Privately funded with

planning permission

In 1980 permission was granted for three caravan pitches In 1983 an application for an additional caravan for the applicant’s son was granted In 1993 permission was granted for six gypsy caravan pitches In 1995 an application for four permanent gypsy pitches was granted permission

Land opposite 6 Hawkeridge Road

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2011 an application for one mobile home and hard standing was granted permission on a temporary basis (until April 2014)

Land adjacent to West Wiltshire Crematorium

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2011 an application for a change of use to small private gypsy and travellers site for three pitches (for eight caravans) was refused, but allowed on appeal

Littleton Stables

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2010 a retrospective application for use of a caravan for residential purposes was granted on appeal. Temporary permission was granted for three years. 2014 an application for 1 permanent pitch was granted on appeal.

Land West of Penn Farm

Privately funded with

planning permission

2009 permission granted for 2 mobile homes. Only the applicant and dependents can reside at the site.

Land adjacent Hisomley Farmhouse

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2008 an application for siting of a mobile home and touring caravan was refused, but granted on appeal.

Land south west of Bonnie Farm

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2009 an application for a mobile home and touring caravan was granted on appeal.

Land at Capps Lane

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2009 an application for a mobile home and day room was granted on appeal.

Land at Lower Westbury Road

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2008 permission was granted for a mobile home, utility block and touring caravan.

Land adjoining

Privately funded with

In 2010 an application for the siting of a mobile home, touring caravan and day room was refused, but granted on appeal.

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 9  

Railway Line planning permission

Land at junction Frome Road & Poplar Tree Lane

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2012 permission was granted on appeal for the erection of a mobile home and utility day room and the siting of a touring caravan.

Hicks Leaze Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2013 permission was granted on appeal for one caravan pitch

Sandpit Lane Dilton Marsh

Privately funded with

planning permission

In 2012 an application for change of use of land to a traveller site comprising of 2 pitches, with each pitch having 1 tourer and 1 static caravan was granted on appeal.

5.3 From the information displayed in table 3 and 4 it is clear there is a steady stream of

private sites coming forward to meet the needs of gypsy and traveller families in the North and West HMA. Care must be taken when making generalisations about this information as it is site specific, however some trends are evident.

5.4 Many of the sites are initially refused and allowed on appeal. This refusal is often on

policy grounds e.g. the site is outside of the settlement boundary. The appeal is then allowed as the personal circumstances of the applicant are deemed to outweigh the policy concerns. The vast majority of authorised sites have a condition attached to the permission stating the site/ pitch is for use by gypsy or traveller persons only to ensure this specific need for sites from this community is addressed.

5.5 There are a number of larger sites that have grown over time, such as Bournelake

and Frampton Farm, responding to the needs of growing families. Two thirds of the sites in the North HMA are small sites of less than 5 pitches.

6. Unauthorised development 6.1 The caravan count data in table 1 shows the number of unauthorised developments

in North and West Wiltshire from the period 2011 -2014. There are a low level of unauthorised developments in this area and those that start out as unauthorised are often subsequently granted permission. Rose Field Caravan Site contributes to the unauthorised development figures until it was granted permission in 2012, similarly the site at the junction of Frome Road and Poplar Tree Lane until it was granted permission. As a result of this, over time the number of unauthorised development has reduced.

6.2 The higher figure of 13 caravans in January 2012 is due to the site adjacent to the

West Wiltshire Crematorium’s temporary permission expiring in July 2011 so was therefore classed as unauthorised in the January 2012 count. The site has since been granted permanent permission.

7. Unauthorised encampments 7.1 Wiltshire Council keeps a record of all unauthorised encampments reported to the

Highways teams. From the period April 2012 – January 2014 there were 35 unauthorised encampments in the North and West HMA. The majority of the encampments were on roadsides and car parks spread across the HMA area. The highways data shows that in the majority of instances the encampments were in situ

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 10  

for a few days before moving on of their own accord or following the issuing of a warning notice or Police involvement.

7.2 The location of unauthorised encampments, number of visits to these locations and

the type of traveller recorded are displayed geographically in figure 4 and 5. 7.3 Figure 4 shows that the sites are located in small clusters across the HMA, the

majority are only used on one occasion but 4 sites are repeatedly visited. Figure 5 highlights the variety of backgrounds of the people using unauthorised encampments, in particular the large number of new age and the homeless that may not necessarily have a need for or want a traveller pitch.

Figure 4: Unauthorised encampments – number of visits

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 11  

Figure 5: Unauthorised encampments by type of traveller

8. Travelling Showpeople 8.1 There are two travelling showpeople sites in the North and West HMA. One of these

sites, Scarrott’s Yard, is not for residential use so it does not appear in the caravan count data or figure 3. Details of both sites are shown in table 5.

Table 5: Travelling Showpeople Sites in the North and West HMA

Land opposite The Laurels, Hawkeridge Road, North Bradley

● Temporary permission granted 06/11/2007 on Appeal (5 years temp permission). ● Site for travelling showmans equipment and 5 plots. ● Each plot holding one caravan. ● Permanent permission granted 28/02/2013 ● Removal of condition 1 of temporary planning

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Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller DPD – SA Scoping Report Addendum Appendix B 12  

permission to allow the use of the site on a permanent basis.

Scarrott's Yard, (Travelling Show Peoples store) Adj 6 Old Court, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 8QY

● This site is purely a store for travelling showpeople caravans and equipment and no caravans are lived in on site. ● Not included in caravan count as not a residential use.

8.2 From the caravan count data in table 1 there is a clear seasonal variation on the

residential patterns of the travelling showpeople living in the North and West HMA; by the nature of their work they are travelling during the summer months and return to the site in the winter.

8.3 In the period 2011 – 2014 there was one occurrence of an unauthorised travelling

showpersons site in January 2013. This is explained by ‘the land opposite The Laurels’ temporary permission expiring in November 2012 so the site was classed as unauthorised at the January 2013 caravan count. Permanent permission was granted in February 2013.

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This document was published by the Spatial Planning team, Wiltshire Council, Economic Development and Planning Services.

For further information please visit the following website:

http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal


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