HC Deb 24 May 2004 vol 421 cc1436-7W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, (1) on what basis a site may be ruled inappropriate for locating show people by his Department; [175019]

(2) what definition his Department uses of a realistic assessment of the amount of accommodation required in relation to identifying sites for show people; [175018]

(3) what account of the rights of local residents (a) his Department and (b) local planning authorities take in identifying appropriate sites for winter quarters for show people; and what weight is attached to the (i) appropriateness of the site, (ii) suitability of the location, (iii) availability and adequacy of vehicular access and (iv) availability of existing locations in taking such decisions. [175017]

Keith Hill

All applications for planning permission are decided on their individual merits with reference to the local authority's development plan for the area and other material considerations including national planning policy guidance. The Government's advice to local planning authorities on travelling showpeople is contained in Circular 22/91 'Travelling Showpeople'.