§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what guidance he has issued to(a) planning authorities and (b) the Planning Inspectorate regarding the number of traveller pitches which should be permitted in any specific location; [168453]
(2) what discussions he has had with representatives of gypsies and travellers regarding (a) the size of traveller camps and (b) agreed limits on the maximum number of pitches in any location. [168454]
790W
§ Yvette CooperThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has issued no specific guidance relating to the size of caravan sites, nor have we had discussions with Gypsies or travellers regarding the size of caravan sites. Planning Policy Guidance note 3 on housing requires local planning authorities to assess the local needs of specific groups across all tenures in their area. Development plans should wherever possible identify locations suitable for Gypsy sites and local authorities must decide planning applications in accordance with development plans unless material considerations indicate otherwise.