 There is no official site to accommodate travellers near Exeter |
Changes to the way gypsy and traveller sites are identified are being considered by Devon County Council. Last year public opposition to four proposed sites at Ipplepen, Denbury, Fremington and Shillingford Abbot forced the council to back down.
The council wants better evaluation of the adverse affects sites could have on surrounding areas.
It also plans to work more closely with district councils and other interested agencies, including national parks.
Less haste
The scrutiny task group says sites which would not necessarily attract extra funding from the government's Gypsy Site Refurbishment Grant should also be considered.
It says more time should be taken over applications and proposals should not be pushed through quickly to accommodate grant aid.
The proposals by the community services overview and scrutiny committee will now be put forward to Devon County Council's executive committee.
A group of about 30 travellers has been camped illegally on a beauty spot near Exeter for about three years.
The chairman of Shillingford Parish Council says the group is occupying an Area of Outstand Natural Beauty (AONB) which is next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and wants it moved on.
But Des Shadrick, who is responsible for gypsy and traveller policy at the county council, says unless official transit sites are available, the council cannot simply evict the group.
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