§ Mrs. RoeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to issue fresh guidance about travelling showpeople.
§ Mr. YeoA circular is being published today. It offers guidance to local planning authorities about making provision for travelling showpeople in their developments plans, gives advice on the handling of planning applications and breaches of planning control, and encourages showpeople and local planning authorities to work together to reduce the risk of conflict.
Showpeople need a permanent, secure base from which to operate, establish their homes, and store and test their fairground equipment. Although they cannot expect preferential treatment, showpeople are entitled to look to local authorities to take account of their needs when determining planning policies.