In August 2015, the Government published an updated version of its 'Planning policy for traveller sites’. The updated policy changed the definition of ‘gypsies and travellers', which now no longer includes those who have ceased travelling permanently for any reason, including old age or disability.
This research looks at the how this revised definition is affecting how planning applications for Traveller sites are determined and the way that local planning authorities plan for the provision of Gypsy and Traveller pitches in England.
It finds that, after the change in definition, LPA assessments of how many pitches would be needed fell by almost 75%, and that the approach to planning policies is inconsistent across LPAs.