Greater Norwich Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller Sites Focused Consultation

Our team recently visited established landowners with existing pitches over the last few months to discuss the GNLP identifying the shortages in pitches for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community. Many existing landowners welcome support to identify land and pitches for their growing community and the recognition that there is a shortage of GRT accommodation.
Our team supported the landowners to come forward and identified 2 further pieces of land which could be suitable for pitches at Hevingham and Flordon. This is an excellent piece of work which has been greatly welcomed by the GRT community.

I work for Norfolk and Suffolk Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Service. I carried-out the GNLP tasking during the months of November 2022 –March 2023 which was to research and identify existing GRT landowners within the region and follow up with face to face visits and discussions on potential land/pitch availability.
• 19 private Gypsy and Traveller sites were identified across the 3 district areas that consist of the greater Norwich area- Norwich City, Broadland and South Norfolk.
• All 19 identified sites for G&T were visited.
• 8 sites for G&T had meaningful face-to-face engagement relating to the GNLP.
• 6 sites were no reply- therefore, a letter explaining the GNLP and the process for consideration was left explaining about the process for finding additional sites for G&T.
• As of the 10 March 2023, 3 landowners have land to put forward for consideration supporting the GNLP. This consists of potential sites for the consideration of the GNLP at Guestwick, Hevingham and Flordon.
• It is understood that if these sites prove to have merit they will be assessed and forwarded to the Planning Inspector to consider. These sites if allocated will be consulted on along with main modifications proposed to the GNLP later in the year.

The engagement undertaken by NSGRTS on behalf of the GNLP Partnership has identified potential development supporting the objectives of the project. Also, the engagement has made members of the Gypsy and Traveller community aware of the support mechanisms in place regarding the potential development of owned land in the future- thereby promoting fairness and equality.