Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils have today (Wednesday 6 November) published the findings of research commissioned by the two councils into the accommodation needs of travelling communities in Greater Cambridge.
The report looks at the need for both permanent pitches for settled members of travelling communities, and temporary sites for those wishing to stay on a short-term basis.
The Accommodation Needs Assessment was commissioned to provide evidence that will inform the emerging Local Plan for Greater Cambridge – the first joint Local Plan for the two councils, which share the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service.
The findings – which relate to the requirements of Gypsies, Travellers, Travelling Showpeople and Bargee Travellers, as well as other caravan and houseboat dwellers – will also be used when determining planning applications locally.
The report was carried out by Arc4 consultants during 2023/2024 and included a review of existing data as well as a household survey, site observation and speaking with key stakeholders.
The researchers sought to understand the requirement across Greater Cambridge, considering the differing community needs within South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge.
Permanent pitches in South Cambridgeshire
South Cambridgeshire currently has 390 permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers. There are also 20 permanent plots for Travelling Showpeople in the district.
148 Gypsy and Traveller households who live on permanent sites in South Cambridgeshire were interviewed as part of the research, and data for a further 29 households was obtained. Two Travelling Showpeople yard owners in South Cambridgeshire were also interviewed. The feedback showed that, over the next 17 years, there is likely to be a need for around 130 extra permanent pitches as existing families continue to grow, and 17 plots for Travelling Showpeople in South Cambridgeshire.
In order to respond to the findings, South Cambridgeshire District Council has created an action plan based on the recommendations within the study which will be discussed at its Scrutiny and Overview Committee on Thursday 14 November before a further discussion at a Cabinet meeting in December.
Cllr John Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Housing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We welcome the new study that has particularly engaged with the Gypsy and Traveller community and gives us a good understanding of their needs within the district. We will now work towards balancing both the needs identified in the study alongside the wider needs of the district as part of our local planning process.”
Permanent pitches in Cambridge
The methodology for determining the need for permanent pitches involved identifying current and likely future requirements; for example, anticipating that as young families grow, they will need space to expand as children grow up and move out of the family home. In Cambridge, there are no permanent sites currently, so there is no evidence of growing need for permanent sites as there are no existing families living on permanent pitches.
However, modelling based on Census data for those living in bricks and mortar housing suggests a potential need for two permanent pitches. The City Council has said it wouldn’t be financially viable to develop a new council-run site to deliver just two permanent pitches, but this need will be considered if proposals come forward through future planning applications.
Temporary sites in Greater Cambridge
The report recommends that both councils work more closely with travelling communities and local stakeholders to develop a clearer picture of need, and appropriate locations, for any sites where they may stop temporarily within Greater Cambridge.
Based on evidence around unauthorised encampments, the report also recommends that both councils take a flexible approach when responding to unauthorised encampments across Greater Cambridge, using negotiated/temporary stopping arrangements rather than permanent transit sites.
Cllr Rachel Wade, Executive Councillor for Communities at Cambridge City Council, said: “As a council we believe that everyone has the right to respect and equality of opportunity, and our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. We know that travelling communities often do not feel welcome when they pass through, especially when they set up unauthorised encampments, which can cause friction with the neighbouring community.
“We are committed to working to find a suitable site in Cambridge where members of travelling communities can stop legally on a short-term basis, and where anyone setting up an unauthorised encampment could be moved on to. This would benefit both the travelling and settled communities by helping to reduce tension between the two, and would help to ensure that the right support can be provided.”
Other caravan, Bargee Traveller and houseboat dweller needs
No specific need for more residential caravan parks or residential moorings was identified. The report recommends that planning applications for caravan parks are dealt with in a similar way to other residential accommodation, and that the proposed Greater Cambridge Local Plan should include a policy allowing for planning applications for residential moorings to be considered if agreed criteria are met.
