Policy GESP21: Accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller Communities

To provide access to appropriate accommodation for the gypsy and traveller communities, the following will be provided between 2020 and 2040:

1. 116 additional permanent gypsy and traveller pitches from the following sources:
   1. Approximately 70 pitches from existing commitments
   2. Approximately 46 pitches on the following GESP site allocations: [sites to be determined after this consultation and identified in the next version of the GESP]. Off-site provision will only be supported if the applicant can demonstrate that this will achieve a more favourable outcome for gypsy and traveller communities
2. 3 transit sites for gypsy and traveller communities totalling 20 pitches to be allocated in local plans close to key road corridors in accordance with the duty to cooperate
3. A site providing 12 plots for travelling showpeople to be allocated in a local plan in accordance with the duty to cooperate.

7.37 The Local Housing Needs Assessment (2nd Edition) concludes that there is a need to provide a range of new permanent and transit sites for gypsy and traveller communities across the Greater Exeter area between 2020 and 2040.

7.38 In the next version of the plan, draft policy GESP21 will be updated to identify which GESP allocations will contain land for the provision of 46 permanent pitches, which are required to meet needs in addition to 70 existing pitch commitments. Provision of the 46 pitches elsewhere in the Greater Exeter area will only be accepted if the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Greater Exeter councils that this would result in a more favourable outcome for gypsy and traveller communities.

7.39 In order to meet identified needs, the local plans of the Greater Exeter councils will allocate land for the provision of 3 transit sites and a site for travelling showpeople.

7.40 The locations of the additional permanent pitches, transit sites and site for travelling showpeople will be chosen on the basis that they:

• Are well located on the highway network
• Have (or have the potential to provide) safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian access to local facilities
• Have minimal impact upon the environment and landscape (including no adverse effect on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites)
• Protect the amenity of people living nearby
• Provide adequate levels of privacy, security, storage space and residential amenity
• Allow for the provision of appropriate parking, including for visitors and commercial vehicles related to business activities likely to be carried out

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