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

The Government’s guidance Planning policy for Traveller Sites requires local planning authorities to make provision for traveller sites within their local plans. The adopted core strategy includes a commitment for the council to do so through a travellers sites DPD.  This DPD has been prepared in accordance with the core strategy and government guidance.  It has been subject to independent examination by a government appointed inspector.  The inspector has concluded that it can provide an acceptable supply of pitches over the next five years and with the main modifications meets the government’s test of soundness. 

The adoption of the DPD supports the objectives of the Council’s Equality Policy adopted in 2017 as outlined in paragraph 15 below. 

Authority for making any further additional modifications could be delegated to the relevant cabinet member; as the modifications covered by this delegation would not affect the basis of the DPD.  In exercising such delegated authority the officer is required to consult with the cabinet member for infrastructure and transport.  Therefore the proposed delegation provides the most efficient way of maintaining a clear and consistent set of development plan documentation.