Draft guidance for designing Gypsy and Traveller sites - Chapter 7: temporary/negotiated stopping places

This chapter provides guidance on matters for local authorities to consider when identifying temporary/negotiated stopping places, in the absence of suitable transit provision within their area.

As part of the Capital Sites Grant Funding, the Welsh Government may provide funding for temporary/negotiated stopping places, if they meet a transit need and provide facilities that are suitable and appropriate. However, local authority pitches and transit provision are preferable as a long term solution to accommodation needs.

Temporary/negotiated stopping places should not be considered as a long-term alternative to a local authority or a transit site. Temporary/Negotiated stopping places may be suitable for making temporary provision for fairs or cultural events, or to deal with infrequent unauthorised encampments in the area. If unauthorised encampments are rare within the area of a local authority, temporary/negotiated stopping places may be a suitable solution to avoid the need for these to occur at all.

Temporary/negotiated stopping places need to be pro-actively identified in advance of need and made known to the community before any unauthorised encampments occur.

The location of a temporary/negotiated stopping place should be safe and have good access to road networks. Careful consideration should be given to the needs and welfare of any children who may use the stopping place. The location should also seek to minimise disruption to surrounding communities.

The capacity of temporary/negotiated stopping places must be given careful consideration. Factors to take into account include the number of previous and current unauthorised encampments in the area, the frequency of any cultural events or fairs which may give rise to the need for temporary negotiated stopping places and how many people are likely to use the stopping place.

Access roads leading to and on the temporary/negotiated stopping place should be robust enough to accommodate heavy vehicles. A barrier around the place should also be considered to discourage unauthorised expansion. It is recommended the area is gated or includes an entrance barrier.

As temporary/negotiated stopping places may lay dormant for long periods, a material such as grasscrete could be used to ensure rainwater can drain naturally whilst providing a surface which can be driven on when occupied.

At all times the emergency services should be able to enter the temporary/negotiated stopping place without hindrance. The local authority should undertake risk assessments at regular intervals during occupation of the stopping place.

A safe distance between trailers and caravans and any other combustible materials must also be maintained. The advice of the relevant fire and rescue authority must be sought when planning for temporary/negotiated stopping places.

It is recommended the local police force should also be consulted on design proposals, where possible and appropriate.

As a minimum, a cold water supply should be provided for the use of those using the temporary/negotiated stopping place and a sewerage disposal point.

Portable toilets should be provided, including consideration of separate provision for men and women. The recommended ratio is one portable toilet for every four households using the temporary/negotiated stopping place. The provision of portable showers is also recommended.

Refuse collection facilities should also be provided on temporary/negotiated stopping places.

Providing these services should help to reduce clean-up costs once the area is vacated. Charges could be incurred for services provided to occupants.