§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice his Department gives to local councils on the provision of planning permission for the storing of showmen's equipment and living quarters; and if he will make a statement on the need for this provision. [158581]
§ Keith HillPlanning policy relating to travelling showpeople is set out in DOE Circular 22/91 `Travelling Showpeople' which gives advice to local planning authorities on how to address the needs of travelling showpeople. Emphasis is placed on local authorities engaging in early discussion with travelling showpeople before planning applications are made, and in order to ensure that their needs are taken into account in preparing their Local Plans. Local authorities are also urged to give every assistance to help showpeople identify sites to buy or rent.