The document lists a number of potential options by which the accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers may be met, including through a specific ‘call for sites’ exercise (which would allow members of these communities to put their own sites forward for allocation), through expansion of existing sites and authorisation of some existing unauthorised sites, and through the Michelin Farm proposal. We agree that a combination of these options is likely to be appropriate.

However, we do not support the provision of gypsy and travellers sites as part of new strategic residential allocations (option 6) – this is because integrating gypsy and traveller provision within major new residential development tends not to satisfy either the settled or the travelling communities. As Rochford District has other options that are likely to be more appropriate for the gypsy and traveller community, preference should be given to these.