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Maidstone Borough Council

Local Development Document Task and Finish Scrutiny Panel

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Core Strategy: Targets for Gypsy & Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots

Report of: Overview and Scrutiny Officer

1.      Introduction

1.1        The Task and Finish Scrutiny Panel has been appointed by the Regeneration & Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee to take on the advisory function to the Executive during the Local Development Document process as well as the role of Overview and Scrutiny within the policy framework process.

1.2        To consider the proposed targets for Gypsy & Traveller pitches and plots for Travelling Showpeople.  

2.      Recommendation

2.1        It is recommended that the Committee considers the information within the report for Cabinet (attached).  The Committee may wish to make recommendations to the Officers or request further information.

3.      Background information    

3.1     In April 2011 draft planning guidance was issued to local authorities ‘Planning for Traveller sites’ which set the expectation for local authorities to make their own assessment of need in relation to Gypsy & Traveller sites and plots for travelling showpeople and set targets accordingly. The report sets out details of the assessment and seeks support from the Task and Finish Panel of the proposed targets for inclusion within the Core Strategy.

4.      Impact on Corporate Objectives

4.1    The consideration of accommodation needs of the the Gyspy & Traveller and Travelling Showpeople community relates to the  Strategic Plan priority ‘For Maidstone to be a decent place to live’ and specifically the outcome ‘ Decent and affordable housing across a range of tenures.