Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community

What you told us

We wanted to know where new sites should go, what kind of sites are needed (permanent, transit or stopover), and what should be on them - like chalets, toilets, showers or play areas

This is to help shape the next Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan from 2029 to 2039. There will be other opportunities for Travellers and the wider community to get involved in the next stage of the consultation on the future Traveller site provision in Aberdeenshire in the Local Development Plan.

You told us that there was no one single type of provision which would suit everyone. A mix of provision would be ideal. The preference for permanent Travellers' sites with static caravans/chalets and additional transit sites was about the same.

• 58% of respondents said that a permanent Travellers Site would best meet the future needs for families and the preference is for larger pitches.
• All respondents agreed that the current site provision in Aberdeenshire is not sufficient for needs of Travellers in general.
• 63% of respondents responded that they would prefer sites out in the country while 21% would prefer to be closer to local facilities and amenities.
• 68% of respondents told us that they were not aware of any land in Aberdeenshire which would be suitable for private or council development for site provision.
• 89% of respondents told us that pitches/stances must be able to accommodate more than one caravan and still adhere to Fire Safety Regulations.

You provided a variety of energy efficiency/net zero measures you would like to see on a site, such as solar panels, air source heating, cheaper electric. You would also like to see individual amenity blocks on each pitch, play areas and a common room on sites. You also asked for improved facilities on transit sites.

There was a preference for restricted CCTV, lockable barriers, security lighting.

79% of respondents would want to be responsible for their own utilities and Wi-Fi suppliers.

When asked which one action Aberdeenshire Council could take to improve the accommodation for Travellers in the area, reposes varied from:

• Building more permanent, residential sites with chalet provision which could accommodate statics.
• Transit sites located throughout Aberdeenshire to allow Travellers more opportunity and option to move around to different parts of the area.
• Provide smaller sites which Travellers could rent back from the council.
• Larger houses as an option for Travellers

Other comments included:

• Disappointment was expressed that no new sites have been provided.
• Travellers prefer to live on sites but there are not enough available, either permanent or transit, to accommodate Travellers.
• Travellers experience discrimination when living in houses.
• It would be helpful if the Council could provide smaller private sites.

What we’re doing

We have analysed the feedback, and have fed this into the ‘Call for Sites’ in the Local Development Plan for 2029 to 2039, to look at opportunities for identifying suitable locations for future Traveller Sites. We will also feed the information into the ‘Call for Ideas’, the consultation for which closes at the end of the year.

We are in constant discussion with colleagues who monitor the Asset Disposal Register which identifies land and buildings which are no longer required by Aberdeenshire Council, to look for possible new sites.

We also work with the Planning Service to maximise opportunities for potential new sites in Aberdeenshire.

Conclusion

We concluded that no size fits all and that we will continue to engage and consult with members of the Travelling community to examine opportunities for future sites in Aberdeenshire.

You can view the original project here: Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community. | Engage Aberdeenshire