To recommend to council that the Herefordshire travellers’ sites development plan document (DPD) 2018 -2031 is adopted.

The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report, supported by the strategic planning manager and senior planning officer. It was highlighted that:

·         There was a requirement to provide for the accommodation needs of travellers through the development plan process that was met by the DPD which would sit underneath the council’s core strategy;

·         The document set out plans to provide some additional pitches on existing sites and a new transit site near Leominster;

·         The document had been subject to extensive consultation including with the gypsy and traveller community;

·         The new temporary stopping place adjacent to the A49 near Leominster was supported by the police and sought to address unauthorised encampments by providing a suitable location for such encampments to be moved to;

·         The transit site would have no permanent structures but hard standings would be provided and the site would be opened up on an as needed basis, with negotiated stay periods depending on the circumstances;

·         The examination in public had recommended additional pitches and an additional existing private site had been identified to address this need;

·         Madley had been identified as an area for future investigation, there were some outstanding issues but this might be a suitable location for a site in future;

·         Capital bids would be made to support development of sites as necessary, it was anticipated that additional pitches would be available over the next five years.

Group leaders acknowledged the hard work of officers in developing the plan and recognised it was a necessary document to add to the core strategy.

It was agreed that:

(a) the Herefordshire Travellers sites Development Plan Document (DPD) 2018-2031 (appendix 4 and at

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200185/local_plan/796/travellers_sites_document_examination/7), incorporating the Planning Inspector’s recommended main modifications (appendix 2) and the schedules of additional modifications (appendix 3) be recommended to Council for adoption; and

(b) it be recommended to Council that delegated authority be given to the programme director growth to make any further minor modifications, (e.g. typographical) to ensure consistency with other development plan documentation.