Gypsy / Traveller Sites

Essex County Council seek to provide an atmosphere where settled and travelling communities can exist harmoniously and have Gypsy and Traveller Services to ensure that all the residents of the county, whether living in settled or transitory communities, are treated equally and with respect.

There are a range of services available to Gypsy and Traveller communities located within the county or passing through, including access to education and clear guidance on unauthorised encampments.  Please see their website for more information

There are no authorised gypsy sites in the Tendring district managed by us and unauthorised incursions do arise from time to time in the area.

To tackle this we need to ensure adequate site provision is made within our development plans and use 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 this 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.

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