Gypsies and Travellers in Devon
Managing Unauthorised Encampments
Managing unauthorised encampments on Local Authority owned land
Local Authorities have a number of duties and powers in law including the management of unauthorised occupation by Gypsies/Travellers of land for which the Council is responsible, and the impact this has on the local environment and settled community.
Unauthorised occupations are assessed against a set of criteria to determine what impact the encampment has on the use of the land, the size of the encampment and the level of nuisance. This will include a public health role (in conjunction with the appropriate health agencies) and the abatement of statutory nuisance. In addition, the welfare, education, human rights and needs of Gypsies/Travellers must be assessed.
These assessments should lead to a balanced view about the appropriate action to be taken for each unauthorised encampment.
Partners across Devon have developed a multi-agency protocol for the management of unauthorised encampments on public land in Devon. All agencies may have different personnel dealing with Gypsies/Travellers. Nevertheless, Devon and Cornwall Police, Local Authorities and other public bodies work closely together, to ensure that all decisions and actions are consistent and within the law. Please see the Devon Consortium Wide Protocol for Managing Unauthorised Encampments for more information.
Managing unauthorised encampments on privately owned land
When the encampment occurs on private land, the Local Authority will not take action itself, but is happy to give advice to the landowner (via the Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service).
Longer-term solutions
There are already a number of authorised private sites and two council-run caravan sites in the county. However, as already stated, there is still a severe shortage of sites.
It is the responsibility of the District/Borough councils across Devon to look at long-term solutions regarding the allocation and provision of sites.
Devon County Council will continue to work with its District collegues to try to ensure that more adequate provision of sites/pitches is made available in the future so that the number of unauthorised encampments can be reduced.
