Buying Land and Applying for Planning Permission

Are you looking to buy land to turn into a Gypsy and Traveller site?

Keep these things in mind:

Avoid green belt areas

• Areas of Special Scientific Interest.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Best type of land

•  A ‘brown field’ site:
  • Land that has already had buildings or development on it.
• Open countryside can sometimes be suitable.

Visibility

• Caravans should not be easily seen from nearby places.
• Landscaping, like adding hedgerows, can help reduce visibility.

Close to amenities

• The land should be within 3 to 5 miles of:
  • Shops, public transport, schools, etc.
• It should also have or be capable of sewage and electricity being installed.

Check suitability

• Contact your local authority to see if the land is suitable.
• Ask for a  pre-planning assessment
  • To see the chances of success and what might prevent it.

Once you have bought suitable land, you need to apply for planning permission

Follow these steps to get permission to live there or set up a site:

Contact a planner

• Find a planner with experience in Gypsy and Traveller sites.
• A list of planners is in our services directory.

Submit your application:

• Send your application to your local planning authority (LPA).
• Complete the form on the LPA’s website or through the Planning Portal.

Pay the fee:

• There is usually a planning application fee.
• Use this cost calculator to estimate the cost.

Assessment:

• A committee of local councillors will assess your application.
• Prepare for rejection
  • Most planning applications are rejected.
• Be ready to appeal the decision in high court.

Local connections can help, like

• Living in the area for years.
• Having close family nearby.
• Having a child in a local school.

Appeal stage

• You will need a planning solicitor, which you can find in our directory.
• Chances of success are higher at the appeal stage, but nothing is guaranteed.

Free advice

• If you are on benefits or have a low income, you can get free planning advice
  • Including from Planning Aid.
• You might also be entitled to free legal representation through Legal Aid.

 

Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) is the current policy for caravan sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

Since December 2023, the definition of Gypsies and Travellers is:

'Persons of nomadic habit of life, including those who have stopped traveling temporarily or permanently due to education, health needs, or old age. This does not include traveling showpeople or circus people.'

This means Travellers:

• Who have stopped traveling permanently are still recognised as Travellers in planning policy.
• Can have their needs assessed for site provision.

Planning Aid

• Service: Free planning advice for those who cannot afford it.
• Phone: 0370 774 9494.
• Email: info@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk.

Chapter 7

• Service: Free planning advice by phone for
  • Smallholders.
  • Caravan dwellers.
  • Low-income people with planning problems.
• Phone: 01297 561359.
• Email: chapter7@tlio.org.uk.