Gypsy and traveller talks begin

A public consultation has begun into providing permanent and transitory pitches for Gypsy and traveller families in South Gloucestershire.

The council must find 53 residential and 25 temporary pitches by 2011. So far 17 new locations have been proposed - eight of which are on existing sites.

Almost half of the number of pitches needed will be to accommodate families already in the area.

The intention is to keep most of the pitches on private family sites.

There are planning restrictions on a large part of South Gloucestershire Council district, however, recent government guidance means greenbelt land can now be considered.

Public exhibitions

As a result, only the most protected sites have been excluded from the council's site search area.

During the 12-week consultation, three public exhibitions will be held.

These will be held at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall and Easter Compton village hall.

All councils in England are required to assess accommodation needs for Gypsies and travellers, and inform the government how they intend to meet them.