Opinion Research Services Essex – Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Show People Accommodation Assessment July 2014 Essex Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment on behalf of Essex Planning Officers Association July 2014 1 Opinion Research Services Essex – Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Show People Accommodation Assessment July 2014 Opinion Research Services - The Strand, Swansea, SA1 1AF Nigel Moore | Claire Thomas | Steve Jarman | Imogen Statham | Ciara Small Enquires: 01792 535300 | [email protected] |www.ors.org.uk As with all our studies, findings from this survey are subject to Opinion Research Services Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract Any press release or publication of the findings of this survey requires the advance approval of ORS. Such approval will only be refused on the grounds of inaccuracy or misrepresentation This study was conducted in accordance with ISO 20252:2012 © Copyright July 2014 2 Opinion Research Services Essex – Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Show People Accommodation Assessment July 2014 Contents Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 7 The Survey ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 Legislation and Guidance for Gypsies and Travellers .................................................................................... 8 Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) .................................................................................................... 10 Tackling Inequalities for Gypsy and Traveller Communities ....................................................................... 12 Funding for New Sites .................................................................................................................................. 12 2. Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 14 Background .................................................................................................................................................. 14 Stage 1: Desk-Based Research ..................................................................................................................... 14 Stage 2: Stakeholder Engagement ............................................................................................................... 15 Stage 3: Working Collaboratively with Neighbouring Planning Authorities ................................................ 15 Stage 4: Survey of Travelling Communities ................................................................................................. 16 Stage 5: Bricks and Mortar Households ...................................................................................................... 16 Stage 6: Current and Future Pitch/Plot Requirements................................................................................ 17 Stage 7: Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 18 3. Sites, Yards and Population .............................................................................................................. 19 Background .................................................................................................................................................. 19 UK Census of Population 2011 .................................................................................................................... 20 Current On-Site Population ......................................................................................................................... 20 Caravan Count ............................................................................................................................................. 22 4. Stakeholder Consultation ................................................................................................................. 28 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 28 Wider Stakeholders ..................................................................................................................................... 30 Council Officers and Elected Members in the Study Areas ......................................................................... 33 Braintree District Council............................................................................................................................. 33 Brentwood Borough Council ....................................................................................................................... 35 Castle Point Borough Council ...................................................................................................................... 37 3 Opinion Research Services Essex – Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Show People Accommodation Assessment July 2014 Chelmsford City Council .............................................................................................................................. 38 Colchester Borough Council ........................................................................................................................ 41 Epping Forest District Council ...................................................................................................................... 43 Harlow District Council ................................................................................................................................ 45 Maldon District Council ............................................................................................................................... 46 Rochford District Council ............................................................................................................................. 47 Southend Borough Council .......................................................................................................................... 49 Tendring District Council ............................................................................................................................. 50 Thurrock Council .......................................................................................................................................... 51 Uttlesford District Council ........................................................................................................................... 53 Neighbouring Areas ..................................................................................................................................... 55 Basildon Borough Council ............................................................................................................................ 55 Broxbourne Borough Council ...................................................................................................................... 57 Cambridge County Council .......................................................................................................................... 57 Dartford Borough Council ............................................................................................................................ 58 East Herts District Council ........................................................................................................................... 59 Gravesham Borough Council ....................................................................................................................... 59 Suffolk County Council................................................................................................................................. 60 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 60 5. Engagement with Travelling Communities ......................................................................................... 62 Survey of the Gypsy and Traveller Population ............................................................................................ 62 Length of Residence .................................................................................................................................... 63 Attractions of the Area ................................................................................................................................ 63 Connections with the Area .......................................................................................................................... 64 Ethnic Background ....................................................................................................................................... 65 Age and Household Profile .......................................................................................................................... 65 Schooling ....................................................................................................................................................