Overview

This bill aims to remove special planning provisions for Gypsies and Travellers in England and Wales. It seeks to eliminate any preferential treatment in planning regulations that currently exists for this group, bringing them in line with other communities.

Description

The bill achieves this by amending two existing acts:

• Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004: It amends Section 38 to prevent development plans from including special provisions for Gypsies and Travellers. This means local councils would no longer be able to create separate planning policies specifically for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
• Housing Act 2004: It repeals Section 225, which currently holds provisions relating to the needs of Gypsies and Travellers in housing planning.

The bill defines "Gypsies and Travellers" broadly, encompassing those with a nomadic tradition, those living in caravans, and those who have temporarily or permanently ceased travelling due to factors like education, health, or old age, as well as organised travelling showpeople and circus people. The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into force two months after receiving Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The primary effect will be a change in how planning regulations are applied, potentially leading to cost savings for local authorities by streamlining processes but possibly also increasing the cost of resolving disputes.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Gypsies and Travellers: They may face increased difficulty in securing planning permission for sites and accommodation. This could lead to challenges in maintaining their traditional way of life and access to suitable housing.
• Local Councils: Councils will need to adapt their planning processes to accommodate the changes and may face legal challenges related to site allocation.
• Housing Associations and Developers: Any impact on the provision of accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers will depend on future planning policy after the amendment.

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