This week the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP has voiced his reassurance for local planning authorities to exert necessary power to tackle the issue of illegal gypsy and traveller sites. The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles also outlined provisions in the Localism Act 2011 that will strengthen local planning authorities’ powers to tackle the issue which comes into force on 6 April 2012.
This reassurance came in response to a question put to him by Gavin Williamson MP for South Staffordshire:
“We in South Staffordshire have to deal with the problem of illegal Gypsy and Traveller sites. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that these powers will help local councils such as mine deal more effectively and quickly with such sites?”
The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP responded with:
“Certainly, these powers will help, along with the new planning guidance on Gypsy and Traveller sites, but it is important to understand that the new measures will help not only the planning authority, but Gypsies and Travellers, the vast majority of whom are on legal sites, obey the law and do their best to integrate with their neighbours. Unfortunately, however, a small minority have abused the system, and I get complaints about that from both sides of the House. From 6 April, these new powers will help, and it is to be hoped that we can once again have a much more level playing field.”
Commenting after the debate, Gavin Williamson MP said:
“We need to clamp down on any unauthorised development as these can be a dreadful blight on our local communities. I welcome action announced by the government to make it easier for local authorities to deal with illegal development including gypsy and traveller sites, it has been long overdue but I am glad action is now being taken.”