Traveller Sites on Green Belt Land (South Staffordshire)
The Petition of residents of the South Staffordshire constituency and others,
Declares that Traveller sites are being built on green belt land; and further declares that the petitioners believe that planning law should apply to these sites.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to bring forward proposals to change the law to prevent Traveller sites being imposed on green belt land.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Gavin Williamson, Official Report, 27 July 2010; Vol. 514, c. 972 .]
[P000853]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
On 6 July the Secretary of State announced the revocation of Regional Strategies. This has removed the system of top-down regional numbers and plans. It means that local authorities are now responsible for determining the right level of site provision in their area, reflecting local need and historic demand, in consultation with local communities.
The Government intend to revoke Planning Circular 01/06, subject to necessary impact assessments. It will be replaced with a short policy statement and light-touch guidance. This is being done as part of a broader package of reforms to decentralise the planning system and strengthen the role of elected councils.
We are committed to protecting Green Belt land and encouraging sustainable development. It remains very important that local authorities continue to plan for the future of their communities. We will encourage local authorities to provide appropriate sites for travellers, in consultation with local communities, and will offer incentives to do so.