'No evidence' for more traveller sites (From Borehamwood Times)

'No evidence' for more traveller sites

1:37pm Friday 24th July 2009 in News By Kevin Bradford

THIRTY-SIX more gypsy and traveller pitches could be created in Hertsmere by 2021, but planning chiefs claim there is “no evidence” they are needed.

In a report published on Monday, the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) gave final figures for additional pitches each district in the east of England will need to provide in the next 12 years.

Hertsmere will have to find room for 18 by 2011, taking the total number in the borough to 53.

But it is the further 18 that are proposed between 2011 and 2021 that is causing controversy, with fears additional sites may encroach onto Green Belt land.

Councillors have made written objections to the post-2011 plans and officers are now considering the report before deciding what further action to take.

Councillor Hannah David, planning portfolio holder for Hertsmere Borough Council said the initial 18 pitches were “sufficient”.

She said: “We have always accepted that we need to play our part in providing accommodation needs for gypsy and traveller communities.

“However we have always objected to the pressure to provide an additional 18 pitches between 2011 and 2021 when there is currently no evidence for that level of need.

“We would find it very difficult to find appropriate land without encroaching on the Green Belt.”

Mrs David said six of the 18 pitches required by 2011 have already been given permission and are currently in use at the Pylon Site in Potters Bar.

“We are looking at where the other pitches could go. One option is to extend existing sites in the borough in addition to allocating any new sites,” she said.

“No decisions have been made yet and we will carry out full consultation before anything is decided.”

In total there will be an additional 1,237 pitches across the East of England by 2011 according to the Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the East of England report. A further 1,038 are required in the following ten years.

Councillor John Reynolds, EERA chairman, said: “We must get the balance right between addressing the serious disadvantages experienced by members of the travelling communities with the genuine concerns of the settled community.”

Ann Goddard, from the Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society, said gypsy and traveller groups have every right to have pitches, but authorities must be cautious of the environmental impact of long-term plans.

She said: “The Green Belt should be very carefully conserved and the balance between conservation and the need for housing should be carefully weighed up.

“How can the EERA forecast now that another 18 sites will be needed? I think 2021 is too far ahead to speculate.

“Of course those groups must have provisions for sites with proper facilities, but that should not have to be done on Green Belt land.”