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Traveller Issues

The Travelling community has been a traditional part of rural life in South Cambridgeshire for many years - involved in seasonal crop-picking, for example. Historically, Travellers have lived comparatively peacefully alongside local households.

The Council has done far more than most local authorities to meet the needs of Travellers. In partnership with parish councils, South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) has granted many planning permissions resulting in over 350 caravans on authorised pitches within the district. The Council also manages two public sites at Milton and Whaddon, which are owned by Cambridgeshire County Council. This has enabled Travellers on legitimate sites to gain access to education and health facilities and integrate with the local community.

The situation changed a few years ago, however. Since 2003, the northern part of South Cambridgeshire has been particularly affected by the arrival of a large influx of Travellers who have purchased their own land. There has been a massive (over 500%) increase in unauthorised Traveller caravans, which do not have planning permission. Whilst the largest unauthorised encampments in the district are at Smithy Fen, Cottenham, there are other illegal sites (eg, at Swavesey, Histon, Willingham and Chesterton Fen). The latest national statistics show that South Cambridgeshire has the second highest number of Traveller caravans (authorised and unauthorised) in the country.

Over the last few years, the problems caused by unplanned and unauthorised encampments have had a serious effect on the local environment, local communities and the quality of life. Local facilities (such as schools) have, at times, struggled to cope with increased and unpredictable levels of demand for services.

These difficulties have been compounded by: a number of the Council's planning decisions in relation to unauthorised sites being overturned at appeal on Human Rights grounds; inadequacies in planning law which cannot cope with the new situation; a complex and lengthy legal process; community frustrations, tensions and suspicion; and considerable media coverage.

SCDC's approach to Traveller Issues

No other issue has received so much attention from leading councillors and senior managers at SCDC in the last few years. Some good progress has been made. The Council Leader is responsible for SCDC's overall approach to Traveller Issues, supported by the Cabinet which has taken on responsibility for developing a strategy. Specific planning enforcement decisions are matters for the Planning Committee and Planning Sub-Committee.

The Council values its working relationships with parish councils and local councillors, as locally elected representatives in addressing these difficult issues.
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