Dorset's Councils Collaborate on the Traveller Issue

Dorset Councils, including North Dorset District, are currently discussing potential sites for permanent traveller and gypsy encampments across the county. The aim is to come up with a Development Plan Document to cover the county's needs for the next 15 years.

Although the Coalition Government reversed the rules introduced by the former Labour government that required each council to provide permanent sites, Dorset County Council still has a responsibility to provide adequate pitches for travellers.

The Council says that having permanent sites is a necessity to allow Police to do their job in moving travellers from illegal sites. Managed sites also reduce problems associated with anti-social behaviour and environmental damage.

The Dorset County Council's cabinet member for environment said, "This issue presents challenges for us all, but we cannot solve the ongoing problem...unless we have a planning policy that gives greater certainty for both settled and travelling communities."

A public consultation is expected shortly and its a subject that the public always has a lot to say about.