Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

5.13 Provision of Traveller Sites5.13.1 The Council is responsible for assessing the housing needs of andallocating land to meet the needs of all sections of the local communityincluding Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. This policy sets outa fair and effective approach to addressing the accommodation needs of thissection of the community and provides a basis for determining planningapplications on unallocated sites.5.13.2 For the purposes of this policy, Gypsies, Travellers and TravellingShowpeople will be referred to as Travellers. It is recognised that the needs ofGypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople vary. The policy will applyto those members of the Travelling community who meet the definitions setout in Annex A of the "Planning Policy for Traveller Sites" (March 2012).5.13.3 National policy recognises that Travellers have the same rights andresponsibilities as other citizens and supports their traditional travelling way oflife. It requires needs assessments to be carried out to establish unmet needand requires sites to be provided to address this. In addressing site provision,sites should be sustainably located. The location should be appropriate forresidential use and provide access to local services and facilities to promotesocial inclusion. New sites are inappropriate in the Green Belt and should notbe permitted in areas with high risk of flooding, i.e. flood zone 3. Where unmetneed is being addressed, proposals that do not accord with planning policiescan be refused.5.13.4 In January 2012 there were 8 Gypsy and Traveller sites in the Boroughproviding pitches for 25 households. There is a publicly owned site at Denton,Gravesend, which has 8 pitches. The remaining 7 sites are a mix of pitcheswith permanent and temporary planning permission. There are currently notransit sites or plots for Travelling Showpeople in the Borough. There are anunknown number of Gypsies and Travellers accommodated in houses.173