PEOPLE are being urged to have their say over plans to allocate sites in Wiltshire for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople.

Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation on the proposed Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document, which runs until 5pm on Friday, October 4.

All Local Planning Authorities must plan for all members of the community, including Gypsies and Travellers, including providing solutions for accommodation needs.

The document will identify and allocate sites to meet the need.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “The draft Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document sets out how we propose to plan growth for the housing needs of Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople in Wiltshire up to 2038.

“At this stage in the process, it’s very important that we get feedback and comments from everyone with an interest in the plan.”

To enable people to ask questions and find out more, the council is holding five in-person drop-in events, as well as one online.

Meanwhile, people can read the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document and supporting consultation documents on the council’s website and at the main council offices at County Hall, Trowbridge, Monkton Park, Chippenham, and Bourne Hill, Salisbury.

The plan will also be available in many Wiltshire Council libraries.

People can share their views through the council’s online portal, and anyone without internet access can visit a library to use the computers, or contact the council to get a written copy of the representation form and find out how to view the documents.

Below is a list of the in-person consultation events, while anyone who wishes to attend the online event must sign up beforehand. For more details, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-gypsy-travellers.

September 3 – 6pm-7.30pm: Online
September 4 – 4.30pm-7pm: Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Hulse Road, Salisbury
September 5 – 4.30pm-7pm: Devizes Library, Sheep Street, Devizes
September 9 – 4.30pm-7pm: Olympiad Leisure Centre, Sadlers Mead, Chippenham
September 11 – 4.30pm-7pm: Royal Wootton Bassett library, 11 Borough Fields, Royal Wootton Bassett
September 12 – 4.30pm-7pm: Atrium, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge