Council shares update on new traveller sites as it looks to meet government's demands

A council boss says the authority has identified further sites to house Gypsies and travellers as part of its attempt to meet a government requirement. Within the next five years, more than 100 additional Gyspy and Traveller pitches must be provided by the Newark and Sherwood District Council.

As of February 2024 there were around 400 pitches in the district, the majority of which are located on Tolney Lane, Newark. To meet government requirements the council will need to find land for an additional 169 pitches, with 103 of these being provided within the next five years.

The Gypsy and Traveller communities in the district have been a longstanding part of the population, and as it grows the council needs to meet the housing needs of the community. So far more than 40 new pitches have been established or had planning permission granted. The potential site at Bowbridge Road has not been decided on yet with a decision expected in Autumn 2024.

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Providing pitches can be complex as it relies on the right land being available in the right place, so since 2013 the Council has been calling on private landowners to come forward with land that might be suitable.

Matt Lamb, director of planning and growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Newark and Sherwood District Council are committed to hitting the Government’s targets for Gypsy Roma and Traveller site provision within the district. We already have over 40 new pitches that have been established or where planning permission has been granted.

"We have further sites identified which will mean the Council is able to meet its requirements around pitch provision from national planning policy. The development at Bowbridge road is still on-going with a decision expected in the Autumn."

He continued: "It should be presented to committee for a decision in late summer or early autumn this year. Finally, the planning application for the site at Oak Tree Stables, Sand Lane, Besthorpe has been approved and will provide 8 pitches with an amenity building and warden’s office.”