Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Housing Dominic Raab that the Government is launching a consultation on new powers to deal with unauthorised development and encampments.
Unauthorised sites can cause significant distress for both the settled and nomadic communities – an issue increasingly raised in Parliament over recent months.
Many local residents often raise concerns about anti-social behaviour including fly-tipping and noise, and evidence also shows that living on unauthorised sites can have a negative impact on people’s health and education.
Since 2010, the number of traveller caravans on authorised sites has increased. However latest figures show approximately 16% of all caravans – around 3,700 – are on unauthorised sites.
Commenting Steve said:
“I have had numerous occasions in the past when residents have contacted me about unauthorised encampments and have been frustrated by the lack of powers available to Cornwall Council in particular, to deal with them.”
“The government is committed to taking action and is seeking views on what more can be done to ensure local authorities, the police and landowners can deal with unauthorised sites and developments efficiently.”
“This consultation – carried out jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Home Office and Ministry of Justice – covers police and local authority powers, court processes, government guidance, the provision of legal sites, and the impact on settled and nomadic communities.”
“It will emphasise the government’s commitment to the fair and equal treatment of all communities, including respecting people’s right to a nomadic way of life, while balancing this with the interests of settled communities.”
“I encourage anyone who is interested to check the consultation out for more information.”
The consultation can be found at: