Our views needed on Gypsy and Traveller provision in Wiltshire

The Council's due to open a consultation next month

Stock image of a traveller site
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 29th Jul 2024

We're going to be asked for our thoughts on provision of Gypsy and Traveller sites across Wiltshire.

The authority's set to open a consultation on their plan, after its approval by the Full Council last week.

A report had found that around 120 new traveller spaces are needed across the county by 2038. |newtab)

A public consultation will be held from Tuesday 20th August until 5.00pm on Friday 4th October.

There'll also be a series of engagement events, for us to speak directly to the Council.

That includes a session at Salisbury's Five Rivers Leisure Centre on Wednesday 4th September, between 4.30 and 7.30pm.

An online webinar is also planned for Tuesday 3rd September from 6.00 to 7.30pm.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said:

“Wiltshire Council is meeting its statutory obligations in planning for all members of the community, and that includes the Gypsy and Traveller communities.

“Wherever possible, the provision of additional pitches is on existing Gypsy and Traveller sites. Elsewhere, seven potential new sites have been proposed, five of which are on Wiltshire Council land.

“All of the allocations have been selected taking account of the availability of sites as well their proximity to local facilities. This information can be read on our website. I would strongly urge anyone interested to attend the engagement events and have their say once the consultation starts in August.”

Once adopted, the Plan will be included within the Wiltshire Local Plan reviewand be checked over by an Inspector.

If approved, the Plan would be adopted later in 2025.

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