Sites for Gypsies and Travellers

Having read all the comments, a lot has already been said that i agree with. In a previous job I project managed the refurbishment of a permanent site and searched everywhere for information and guidence and found very little help out there, (as well as consulting with the Travellers on the site). I think it is a great idea to have some agreed standards on design across the country - hopefully soon.

From a North-West regional perspective there are a number of issues arising from on-going research being conducted across the North West by the Salford Housing & Urban Studies Unit. Many of these issues link into more than one of the issues of concern to the DCLG. Emerging issues include:

• The need for pitches to have site names which do not easily indicate that the individual is a Gypsy or a Traveller. Some people have reported feeling discriminated against by potential employers and people in the local community when it is clear where someone lives;

• The preference and aspiration for the majority of Gypsies and Travellers spoken to so far are for private authorised sites, followed by local authority sites;

• The size of sites that seem to be preferred are relatively small accounting for no more than around 15-20 pitches;

• Privacy and boundary definition is appearing as a major issue. Many people want secure boundaries to stop people wandering on to their pitch and to keep dogs out;

Following a very brief discussion with colleagues in Barnsley, we have a series of points to make in relation the the questions posed. Please note that these are not meant to be comprehensive in any way.
What makes a really good site to live on? What are the most important facilities needed to make a site truly effective and how should they be designed?
• Effective and efficient management that ensures a firm but fair approach to all aspects of the site management.
• Management must ensure that tenancy agreements are adhered to for the benefit of all living on the site.
• Management should be seen as a friendly face that understands and appreciates the Gypsy and Traveller culture, that visits the site on a regular or frequent basis and that can be easily contacted.
• Good accommodation – plots that are kept clean and tidy and are of a good size relative to the size of the family unit allocated to the plot.
• A reasonable mix of large and small family units and a site that accommodate and take account of the needs of extended families.
• Good facilities for disabled and frail elderly people.
• The site should have reasonable access to local services and amenities such as doctor, dentist, shops, health visitors, and clinics
• Shared community area/open space and/or safe play area for young children
• Amenity blocks that are built to current energy efficiency standards with adequate space in amenity blocks for full kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• Kitchen to include space for washer, dryer, fridge, freezer, cooker, storage for utensils and food. Adequate work and food preparation space.
• Adequate mix of amenity blocks to include facilities for disabled and frail elderly.
• Prepay electric meters to national standards and design with prepay cards available from local outlets
• Walls dividing plots instead of fencing
• Use of street names on site and allocation of a full address for each plot e.g. 28 Dearne Valley View, Smithies Lane rather than plot 28 Gypsy & Traveller Caravan Site, off Smithies Lane