We are committed to meeting the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community within the borough, in the same way as the housing needs of the settled community are planned for in the Ashford Local Plan 2030. National Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) requires that local planning authorities identify and supply sites for Gypsies and Travellers over a set period of time. Other legislation, such as the Housing and Planning Act and Equality Act also require that we plan for this specific accommodation need.

The adopted Local Plan 2030 proposed a dual approach to traveller site/pitch provision. It allocated three new pitches and Policy HOU16 allows for suitable ‘windfall’ (unidentified) pitches to come forward to further contribute to the supply where they meet a set of criteria. However, this does not meet all of the pitch needs identified by our background data in the GTAA. In order to meet the outstanding site and pitch needs, we are in the process of preparing this specific Local Plan to address the shortfall.

This ‘options report' is designed to highlight the key issues around this topic, while suggesting options to address these issues. The format of the document is to provide some background information and then pose a series of ‘options’ as questions. The views received will feed into the next stage, which will be a full draft plan including site allocations, expected in mid 2020.

An FAQs leaflet has been provided to answer any questions you may have about this report and consultation.

There are a number of ways to view the document and answer the options questions:

1. Read document and answer questions as you go along: Choose the Options Report with the open book symbol - the questions will appear in relevant sections as you move through the pages.

2. Read the whole document and then answer questions in a questionnaire format: View the PDF version of the Options Report and then respond using the separate questionnaire option.

3. In written format: You can print the comment form or view the documents in person at Ashford Civic Centre, Ashford Gateway, Charing Library, Tenterden Gateway and Wye Library, where forms are available to complete and return by post. You can also call us on 01233 330229 or email planning.policy@ashford.gov.uk for a copy of the document, comment forms or site submission forms to be sent out to you in the post.

You do not need to answer every question, but where you do, an explanation of your option choice is useful. Comments must be received by 5pm on Friday 21st February 2020 to be accepted.

Site/Pitch Submissions

This consultation is also an opportunity to submit new sites for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation or existing sites/pitches for expansion, regularisation, or extension. These will be assessed for suitability as potential site allocations for inclusion in the draft Local Plan (expected mid 2020).

A site submission form can be found here -  this can be completed online and uploaded here or emailed to planning.policy@ashford.gov.uk.  Alternatively, a print version is provided below in the respond by post section.