Basildon Council aims to create 235 new sites for Gypsies and Travellers as part of its 20-year housing plan.
A charity praised the council’s new housing plan. This charity fights racism against Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people. They said the plan recognizes the need for good housing. Basildon has only one public site right now, Hovefields, which has 25 pitches. There are also tolerated and unauthorized sites.
The council must find space for 302 pitches for at least 235 households. Some households don’t meet the planning definition. The council also plans for 13 plots for Travelling Showpeople. They see “exceptional circumstances” to use green belt land because other land is unavailable and there’s great need.
The Friends, Families and Travellers charity spoke and welcome the council’s plan to add pitches. Additional pitches recognize the right to housing. Good sites ensure nobody lives on the edge, which helps community relationships grow, fostering both inclusion and understanding.