Introduction

In the previous context-setting chapter, the issue of accommodation was a focal point. Without access to accommodation, it has been argued, it is extremely difficult for Gypsies and Travellers to access healthcare, employment and education. There are also ramifications for community cohesion and social inclusion of groups that traditionally have been marginalised in society, if they cannot find a settled place to live.

This chapter takes the issue of accommodation and planning and examines the recent history of planning for sites today, particularly the recent changes in light of Coalition Government planning guidance for Travellers sites, and the raft of measures brought in under the ‘localism’ agenda. Research undertaken by Richardson will be used as an evidence base for the impact of strategic planning changes (particularly Circular 01/06: ODPM, 2006). A first-hand account of the effect of the planning system, and the lack of accommodation, is given by Maggie Smith-Bendell in this chapter. The authors then conclude with an examination of alternative solutions to the planning and accommodation problem. The contrasting perspectives and styles of writing are important in this chapter as they replicate to an extent what happens in planning in practice. There is a policy/academic debate that takes place in strategic planning; and then there is the personal lived experience of Gypsies and Travellers seeking permission to make their home. While the planning system may try to engage with the personal voice, so far it has failed to achieve this properly. In presenting the academic and personal perspectives alongside one another in this chapter, we hope to emphasise this point and to give the personal voice more prominence.

Planning, by its very nature, seeks to control. Planners control who can build what and where, effectively rationing housing and site development to designated areas, and imposing restrictions and conditions on any new build. While planning development control is the ultimate form of planning control, the parameters for setting the debate in planning policy can also control outcomes. Control comes from implementing policy, but also in setting the agenda. Just because planning policy is universal – it applies to us all – does not mean that the effects of its implementation are felt equally.