Why do we need a specific Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document?
2.1 This document is one of the Council’s first Development Plan Documents to move through the new planning system and is being prepared because of a Direction from the Secretary of State in August 2006. The Direction states that: The Secretary of State is satisfied there is a clear and immediate need to bring forward a specific Gypsy and Traveller DPD containing site allocations to provide accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers resorting to South Gloucestershire. In this context, a “Direction” means that Central Government has instructed South Gloucestershire Council to prepare this planning document. 2.2 The Secretary of State considers that within South loucestershire, the number of caravans on unauthorised developments is a significant indicator of continuing and relatively constant and high levels of unmet need for additional sites for Gypsies and Travellers. Consequently, this Development Plan Document has been identified as a priority in order to allocate sufficient new sites
