Draft guidance for designing Gypsy and Traveller sites - Chapter 6: transit sites

This chapter outlines any differences which might need to be considered when designing transit sites, rather than residential sites. Standards on transit sites should mirror those expected on residential sites, unless otherwise stated below.

The Welsh Government’s Sites Capital Grant may be used to fund transit sites.

Wales has a significant shortfall in local authority pitches and currently there are no openly available transit sites or temporary/negotiated stopping places in any Welsh local authority. Local authorities should use all reasonable endeavours to provide suitable transit pitches for those resorting in their area in order to help protect the cultural identity of these communities and to limit unauthorised encampments.

When considering locations for transit sites or temporary/negotiated stopping places, local authorities should consider the history of any unauthorised encampments in the area and intelligence acquired as part of welfare assessments and the accommodation assessment process. Local authorities can also review caravan count data regarding unauthorised encampments and to assess whether transit sites or temporary/negotiated stopping places are required in the local area.

Where local authorities have dedicated staff with experience of liaising with the Gypsy and Traveller community, they will be in a good position to provide information on where community members have previously set up an encampment when passing through the authority. Local authorities should include this information as part of their GTAA survey, and any other feedback received from members of the community to ensure the locations of any transit sites or stopping places are in a suitable location for use by the community.

The Welsh Government’s Sites Capital Grant is also available for the development of transit sites. Providing such sites, coupled with effective management of them, should reduce the incidence of unauthorised encampments in unsuitable locations. Transit sites are appropriate where a local authority experiences frequent unauthorised encampments, especially from March until October. The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 places a duty upon local authorities to provide sites to meet the pitch needs identified through GTAAs. This includes both residential sites and transit sites.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is not advisable for local authority sites to have a mix of residential and transit functions. Depending on the capacity of a local authority site, a local authority may find it appropriate to include only one or two transit pitches on their site, to facilitate family members visiting permanent residents of the site, but this should only be done where the well-being of all site residents can be ensured.

Transit sites are likely to need to be situated close to major transport links to facilitate onward travel. However, some areas with a high number of encampments may need to consider other issues such as proximity to cultural events and religious sites.

Proximity to ferry ports may also be an important consideration when planning transit site locations.

Local authorities should consider the likely numbers of caravans which may occupy the site in total. The size of transit sites should balance the need to keep travelling families together on a single site with ensuring effective management and keeping site development and maintenance costs at a reasonable level.

Transit sites of up to 10 pitches may make appropriate provision for resorting community members. However, local authorities should consider their local circumstances when considering the size of any proposed transit site and should discuss proposals with the Welsh Government in the first instance.

Pitch sizes may be smaller on transit sites to reflect the fact static mobile homes will not be occupying these. Nevertheless, pitches should be able to accommodate 2 touring caravans and 2 parking spaces.

Parking provision should accommodate at least 2 vehicles per pitch to a minimum size of 2.4m x 4.8 metres per space.

Spacing between pitches and caravans should be the same as for permanent sites as the fire risks are not reduced on this type of site. A space of 3 metres from the pitch boundary and 6 metres between mobile homes should be provided.

The layout of transit sites will differ from residential sites due to the lack of individual amenity blocks. Instead of individual amenity blocks on each pitch, transit sites usually provide shared amenities featuring toilets, washbasins and shower facilities with hot and cold water supply. At least 1 male and 1 female amenity block should be provided on all transit sites.

All transit sites should include a height-restriction barrier to ensure only those who are authorised are able to access the site. Only the site manager should have access to the key to open the height restriction barrier. Local authorities should consult with the relevant fire and rescue authority to ensure fire engines can access the site or that the design of the site allows fire fighting from the entrance to the site. Local authorities may also consider the need for an on-site warden to restrict unauthorised access. If this is the case, a permanent pitch and site office will need to be included near the entrance to the transit site.

Where hardstanding is used, the construction should meet the same standard as that for residential pitches. However, it may be appropriate to make use of alternative surfaces on transit sites, such as grass-crete or other materials which can help deliver sustainable drainage instead of tarmac in some areas.

It is recommended local authorities provide working spaces on transit sites or adjacent working space facilities for occupiers where possible. Unlike residents on local authority sites, the occupiers of transit sites are unlikely to be able to make alternative arrangements to enable them to work while travelling. Travelling for work is an important part of Gypsy and Traveller culture and provision of working space will help support this. However, as with local authority sites, the local authority should ensure that no hazardous work activities are carried out on transit pitches.

Unlike local authority sites, utility meters cannot be installed for each pitch as only shared amenity blocks will be provided. Nevertheless, local authorities will need to take steps to ensure that they have a way in which to apportion utility bills fairly between those occupying transit sites.

Postal services are not required on transit sites due to the limited time occupiers will spend on site and the likely undeliverable mail which will continue to be received at the site once the occupiers have left.

As outlined under the drainage and sewerage section, there must be satisfactory provision for foul and waste water drainage either by connection to a public sewer or sewage treatment works or by discharge to a properly constructed septic tank or cesspool approved by the local authority.