To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor L Evans.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

To receive a report on the above titled item.

Jenifer Jackson, Head of Planning (RBWM) outlined the above titled report. The Panel were informed that the Local Development Scheme (LDS) committed the Council to producing a single issue Traveller Local Plan. The Plan would set out how the accommodation needs of Gypsy and Traveller groups would be met until 2033. The report south approval to publish the Traveller Local Plan Issues and Options paper in January 2019 for public consultation. Members were told that the draft document would be used for the formal consultation and that the item would be considered by Cabinet.

Councillor Walters queried what the unmet need was estimated as and what the reported pitch number was in relation to the shortage. It was confirmed that there were 26 pitches identified and that Mark 4 Consultants had carried out the assessment of need. Councillor Hunt highlighted that there were no pitches currently at the land south of Halarion and that this be amended to reflect the current state of land. It was noted that the consultants who had carried out the assessment had visited the site one year ago and that the data was correct as of the time of the findings. At the time it had been reported that there were 7/8 pitches, of which one was authorised. Councillor Walters queried the total number of pitches which were authorised and untolerated. Ian Motuel, Principal Planner (RBWM) informed the Panel that there were 29 authorised pitches and that it was difficult to assess the total number of sites due to the transient nature of the inhabitants. It was highlighted that there was a need for new sites and that there were some tolerated sites with the additional need for 21-26 additional pitches. Members were informed that there had been temporary consent given to the land south of Halarion and that this had not time expired.

RECOMMENDED ACTION- That the table at paragraph 4.7 of the Traveller Local Plan Issues and Options Paper be amended and that reference is made to the fact that information was taken as of the time of the consultative study and that this is not representative of current pitches in use. Jenifer Jackson and Ian Motuel to action these changes.

Members discussed whether pitches could be developed within the green belt and it was stated that there was some guidance from national Government that in cases that were ‘different and exceptional’, that discretion could be applied. Councillor D Wilson queried whether a certificate of unlawful land use would be issued to individuals who had lived on land for many years or whether positive enforcement would be exercised to these individuals. Jenifer Jackson, Head of Planning told the Panel that it was too early in the process to definitively say whether enforcement action would be taken and that there were plans to have conversations with landowners regarding this matter. Members were told that the GTAA provided the main framework for assessing need and that there was some difficulty in measuring actual numbers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

29^th January 2019 at 7pm, in Desborough 4, Town Hall, Maidenhead.

Members noted the following future meeting dates:

-       29^th January 2019.