There are no authorised gypsy sites in the district managed by us and unauthorised incursions do arise from time to time in the area. The Government recognises that there is a serious problem nationally with gypsies and travellers, the crux of the problem being that there are not enough authorised sites.

The Government is tackling the problem in two ways. Firstly by ensuring adequate site provision is made within local authority development plans and secondly by increasing the enforcement powers available to deal with unauthorised developments and encampments.

If you have any enquiries relating to planning issues, proposed gypsy site developments or the Council's Development Plan, please see our Planning pages.

Unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller Incursions

The Essex County Council/Tendring District Council/Essex Police Joint Protocol for Managing Unauthorised Encampments has the County Council's Gypsy Liaison Officer (GLO) taking the lead role when dealing with unauthorised encampments either on council or privately owned land.

The GLO will normally visit a site within 24 hours and make an assessment as to whether the group is in compliance with the "Code for Gypsy/Travellers in Essex". If gypsies/travellers comply with the Code they can remain on local authority land for up to 28 days subject to certain conditions.

If travellers are sited on council owned land and fail to adhere to the Code the GLO will carry out an assessment relating to the health, social care and education needs of the group and consider any implications under the Human Rights Act. Subject to the outcome, a decision will be made on what action should be taken.

Where the incursion occurs on privately owned land the landowner will have to secure eviction although the GLO will advise and assist in this matter.

Special arrangements and contingency plans are in place in the event of a large scale gypsy encampment in the district.

In districts where a gypsy site is available, the Police have powers to direct gypsy/travellers to leave unauthorised sites.

When it is considered necessary for gypsy/travellers to be evicted it is the responsibility of the landowner concerned to secure eviction not Tendring District Council unless the land concerned is in our ownership.

If you would like further information/clarification concerning the above or wish to report or receive an update regarding an unauthorised incursion please contact:

Chris Smetherham-James, Life Opportunities (private sector housing), Council Offices Weeley
Tel: 01255 686739
Email: csmetherham-james@tendringdc.gov.uk

Essex County Council
County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QH
Tel: 0845 603 7624
Email: natural.environment@essex.gov.uk

Essex Police
Duty Officer, Police Station, 8 Beatrice Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1ET
Tel: 0300 333 4444

The Council commissioned a report into gypsy and traveller accommodation in Tendring which was published in December 2010. Read more about the report here.