Proposed gypsy and traveller site consultation
The council completed a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment in 2019. It is on the council’s website here. The assessment considered the needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in Thanet. The council has to ensure that the needs identified within the study are planned for. This also formed part of the evidence base for the Thanet Local Plan.
The study identified the need for seven permanent pitches and five transit (temporary) pitches over the Local Plan period to 2031. This reflects the current and anticipated future needs of families already in the area.
The council has a statutory duty to consider the housing, accommodation and site needs of all sections of the community. This includes a requirement to make provision for any unmet need for gypsy and traveller pitches within its Local Plan.
We are now inviting people to give their feedback on the proposal that the council puts in a planning application to create a small gypsy and traveller site.
The public consultation is open from Wednesday 9 October 2024, and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 December 2024. The survey is open to all members of the public.
Anyone who is unable to complete the online survey can download and print the questions from the Consultation Document, to be filled in and returned to the council offices. Alternative formats of the questions can be requested by calling the council’s Customer Services team on 01843 577000.
We have published a consultation document, which can be read in full by clicking on the link below.
Phases
Preparing for public consultation
On Thursday 25 January 2024, Thanet District Council’s Cabinet agreed to conduct public consultation with the gypsy and traveller community, and neighbouring residents about the potential to establish a number of gypsy and traveller pitches on land between Shottendane Road and Caxton Road, in Garlinge, Kent.
Alternative locations have been considered by the council. The Consultation Document includes links to reports and supporting evidence and a detailed summary of the process by which the proposed site was identified.