MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE

22 FEBRUARY 2018

GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITES – NEED AND SUPPLY

The Planning Committee, at its meeting held on 11 January 2018, agreed to ask the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee to consider the issue of unmet demand for affordable Gypsy and Traveller sites in the Borough.  This request arose out of consideration of an application for residential development where a financial contribution was secured towards off site affordable housing provision.  The Committee was advised that it would not be possible to use this funding to address the demand for and supply of affordable Gypsy and Traveller sites, but that this should be addressed through a more rounded consideration as part of the review of the Local Plan.

The Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee considered the reference, at its meeting held on 6 February 2018, and agreed to incorporate the issues raised from the reference into the review of the Local Plan. The Committee further agreed to share the reference with the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee due to that Committee’s responsibilities.

The Chairman of Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee advised that a note be included on the Planning Committee agenda.

A copy of the draft minutes of the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee can be found at Appendix 1.

RECOMMENDED:  That the report be noted.