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How to provide good sites for Gypsies and Travellers
Shared understanding is key to good provision, writes Phil Shears
We recently agreed to forward-fund three new pitches to extend an innovative Traveller site at Haldon Ridge, near Exeter.
The residents are experiencing something unusual for Gypsy and Traveller communities these days – living the lives they have chosen in a close-knit community with the facilities and access to services they need.
And it’s all provided in a way that local people are comfortable with.
The planning application for the extension was smooth – no objections were received from local people and councillors voted unanimously in support of three new pitches at the site.
Overcoming concerns from local people due to a neighbouring unauthorised encampment, the Haldon Ridge site opened in December 2014 and has been operating successfully since then.
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Led by Teignbridge and Teign Housing from start to finish with cross party political support, the site is a success because Travellers and the local community co-exist in harmony.
This is down to close collaboration and co-operation between: Teignbridge, Devon County Council, Forestry Commission, Teign Housing and Travellers from the neighbouring unauthorised site.
Gypsies and Travellers around the country often don’t have the same opportunities, so what’s different at this Teignbridge site?
“Local primary schools welcome children from the Travelling community whose experiences enrich the lives of all the pupils.”
Haldon Ridge site manager, Lynne Garnett, is employed by the local housing association Teign Housing, and as a Traveller herself, she understands the culture.
Ms Garnett has developed trusted links with local organisations including Kenn Parish Council and Kenn Church of England Primary School and she has a good rapport with local people. The turnover of families at Haldon Ridge is very low because people like it there and they can get health services and go to school.
Local primary schools in Kenn and Kenford provide a nurturing learning environment for pupils, welcoming children from the Travelling community whose experiences enrich the lives of all the pupils.
I think historically problems have stemmed from a general lack of understanding about the way Gypsies and Travellers live.
They call less on the public purse as they tend to care for their own in the belief that their families are their own responsibility.
In the past, Devon had multiple traditional stopping off places, which were used frequently by Gypsies and Travellers travelling for work, but gradually these have disappeared which means they camp in places they’re not supposed to be.
Our partnership with Teign Housing was key, initiated with a successful funding bid to the Homes and Communities Agency.
“I think historically problems have stemmed from a general lack of understanding about the way Gypsies and Travellers live.”
Since day one Teign Housing have run the site and their dedicated site manager has helped create a strong community to meet the needs of the people who live there.
Haldon Ridge is a shining example, regularly visited by others looking to replicate its success. Featuring as a best practice example by the Chartered Institute of Housing, demonstrates what meeting housing need looks like when a community is built with a clear purpose and consultation.
We have a long-term strategy to provide affordable housing for all, which means we can meet complex housing challenges, balancing the variety of needs in many ways.
Our council strategy project ‘a roof over our heads’ promises to take account of all housing needs and we are committed to providing homes that suit people’s lifestyles.
“We are the only district council to run a Traveller site in Devon.”
We’re also aspiring to meet targets in our Local Plan for 70 Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the district over a 20-year period.
When the Haldon Ridge site was set up there was no known blueprint, but we worked hard to get the best outcome for everyone. The Teignbridge Gypsy and Traveller Forum helped to pave the way for the site, helping public bodies to listen and communicate with people from the Travelling community.
It helps us understand that Gypsies and Travellers want the same as you and I – a stable home, work and schools for their children.
We took a brave decision to set up this site and we are the only district council to run a Traveller site in Devon. My hope is more will follow suit.
To learn from our experience, my advice is:
- Ask Gypsies and Travellers what they need and talk to them throughout
- Set up a discussion forum to aid understanding and communication
- Ask landowners for possible sites
- Pro-actively work with local people and schools to help them understand Gypsy and Traveller culture
- Provide more sites to help reduce unauthorised encampments, which people get very upset about
Phil Shears, managing director, Teignbridge District Council.
