WCC supports the aspiration of Policy HSG9 to meet all of the identified needs for gypsy and traveller pitches, mostly within the boundaries of strategic development sites; whilst recognising that the extent of need has yet to be identified.
Officers from BDBC will be aware from our correspondence that WCC does not have sufficient capacity to fulfil the identified need for gypsy traveller pitches and we would welcome any contribution that BDBC may be able to make towards fulfilling these needs. To this end WCC has already formally requested help with meeting Winchester’s unmet needs. In the response BDBC indicated that it was not currently in a position to make any provision for the gypsy and traveller pitches of WCC.
WCC will continue to work with BDBC on the identification and fulfilment of required needs though ongoing cooperation under the Duty to Cooperate mechanism. This issue is expected to form part of the Statement of Common Ground between the two authorities.