COUNCIL bosses plan to double the number of gypsy and traveller pitches in the borough.

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has identified two new sites which would host five pitches each, increasing the total number of authorised pitches from 11 to 21.

The authority published its Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD) for public consultation last Friday and said the new sites were necessary to “meet the needs of our gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople communities”.

But the sharp rise in the number of pitches has been questioned by some.

County councillor Tony Hooke said: “I’ve got a feeling the residents living near these sites won’t want this. Why do we suddenly need to double the number of pitches?

“The indigenous population is static, we’re not breeding quicker than we’re dying, so I’d question this sudden demand.

“It’s either down to open-door immigration or the borough council not building enough affordable housing.”

The proposals include five gypsy and traveller pitches on land at Scallows Lane, Wellow and another five on Bunny Lane in Timsbury. The council is also proposing three new plots on land at Gardeners Lane, East Wellow, for travelling showpeople.

Planning and transport portfolio holder at TVBC Councillor Martin Hatley said: “I am pleased full council agreed on 28 January to publish the Gypsy and Traveller DPD for public consultation.

“The council has a responsibility to plan for the housing needs of all residents, including the gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople communities.

“We hope that by identifying appropriate sites we will help provide greater certainty for travelling communities and enable the council to defend inappropriate sites from speculative planning applications.”

Members of the public have until 4.30pm on Friday, 20 March to submit their comments.

The council will then review the feedback and undertake a second round of consultation in the summer.

The document will then be submitted to the Secretary of State in autumn 2015, followed by examination in public held by a planning inspector in late 2015.

It is estimated that the plan could be in force by spring 2016.

To view the documents visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/gypsyandtravell erdpd or to access hard copies visit TVBC’s Beech Hurst office in Andover, the former magistrates’ court in Romsey or go to the library.

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