Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Gypsy and Traveller Sites

15 May 2024 · 7 other contributors · 4,385 words

Opened by Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

Responding minister: Lee Rowley

HousingLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Philip Hollobone raised concerns about gypsy and traveller sites in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Philip Hollobone is concerned about the effectiveness of the planning system for Gypsy and Traveller sites, citing issues with unauthorised development and lengthy legal processes.
  • Hollobone calls for changes to the planning system, including faster issuance of stop notices and criminal penalties for non-compliance.
  • The minister acknowledges the debate and notes that the Government sets the legislative framework, but local planning authorities are responsible for policy implementation.

Key requests to Government

Hollobone requests changes to discourage unauthorised development, including accelerating the process for issuing stop notices, making it a criminal offence not to comply with temporary stop notices, changing planning regulations regarding topsoil removal, aligning the planning system with caravan licensing regimes, and introducing fit and proper person tests under the Mobile Homes Act 2013.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

Philip Hollobone is concerned about the planning system around Gypsy and Traveller provision, which he believes has many holes and does not work effectively. He highlighted specific issues such as unauthorised development where land is bought over a bank holiday weekend, with no immediate action to stop it due to legal wrangles through the planning process that can last three to four years or more. Hollobone also mentioned the difficulties in identifying landowners, especially when individuals operate outside normal deed exchanges and land registration.

Other contributors (7)
  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Suggested that the balance goes the other way, referencing a High Court ruling which granted a declaration of incompatibility under the European convention on human rights regarding lack of lawful stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers. He recommended the Friends, Families and Travellers report to the Minister and to the hon. Member for Kettering on site availability issues affecting Gypsy and Traveller populations. The report highlights the lack of site provision which led to a judgment declaring incompatibility with the law due to discrimination.

  • Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

    Congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlighted an unfairness in the planning system where local authorities that have traditionally provided a large number of pitches are penalised.

  • Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby

    Expressed opposition to the hon. Gentleman's views, highlighting a High Court ruling about the ECHR and calling on the Government to reintroduce a statutory duty to ensure accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers are met.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asked the hon. Member if local community planning and provision should go hand in hand with the right for Travellers and Gypsies to live freely, suggesting sensitivity is key.

  • Julian Sturdy

    Congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate, agreeing that planning guidance differs significantly from local authority to local authority and often does not work well for both local communities and the Traveller community.

  • Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton

    Declared an interest as a serving Somerset councillor, stating decisions made by the previous administration in Somerset have left the county without any appropriate transit sites.

  • Steve Double Con St Austell and Newquay

    Mr. Steve Double agreed with Mr. Hollobone about the unfairness in the system that penalises authorities sticking to rules, leading to greater provision for Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Government Response

Lee Rowley

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Rees. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone) for securing the debate and for giving us the opportunity, even for just a few short minutes, to talk about these important issues. The Government set the legislative and policy framework within which this area of policy operates, including the NPPF and PPTS. Despite variance between policies, local planning authorities are responsible for plan preparation and decision-making in accordance with development plans. No area of planning policy is perfect; we must balance competing interests fairly. Since 1979, the number of pitches provided has increased from fewer than 10,000 to 25,000 according to the latest count. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act removed the four-year time limit for taking action against breaches in planning control and doubled the time when stop notices are effective from 28 to 56 days. I will pass comments on enforcement to my colleagues in the Home Office.

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