A public consultation on the number and distribution of additional caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the region was launched today by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA).

It follows independent research published by the Department for Communities and Local Government and EERA in March, which found that the East of England needed 1,220 more caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers by 2011 and that the shortage of sites had contributed to the problem of unauthorised caravan pitches.

The consultation is part of a review being undertaken by the Assembly as a result of new planning policy issued by Government in 2006.

Views are being sought on two particular options:

. Option 1: pitches distributed in local council areas where research has identified need - 1216 additional caravan pitches in the East of England

. Option 2: based on option 1 but with a minimum of 15 pitches in every local council area across the region to provide a wider distribution and choice of accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers - 1220 additional caravan pitches in the East of England

The public consultation will also ask questions about how the additional pitches can be delivered and provision of short stay sites.

Councillor John Reynolds, Chair of EERA's Regional Planning Panel said: "Increasing the availability of legal caravan pitches will provide suitable places for Gypsies and Travellers to live and help tackle the problem of unauthorised sites, now and in years to come.

"This public consultation is a real chance for everyone in the settled and travelling communities in the East of England to learn more about the options on the table and to have their say on the number and distribution of these additional pitches."

Organisations and the public are being invited to respond to the 12-week consultation from members (More information and response forms are available at www.eera.gov.uk. All responses to the consultation must be submitted to EERA by 5pm on Tuesday, 31st July 2007).

Following consideration of the responses, the Assembly will publish its proposal for the number of pitches required in each local council area in Winter 2007/8. This will be subject to further public consultation before being finally determined by Government in 2009.

Local authorities are responsible for developing local plans and making decisions on suitable locations for Gypsy and Traveller sites in their own areas, following public consultation with their local communities. 

Sites may be provided by Gypsies and Travellers, developers or local authorities.

Public information events are also being held across the region where members of the local community will have the opportunity to listen to presentations on the consultation and ask questions of Assembly representatives (see Notes to Editors for details).

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