News
02 February 2010
HAVING to double the number of gypsy and traveller pitches across the capital will have a negative impact on council budgets and housing targets, a London Assembly member has warned.
The London Plan, the Mayor's planning development blueprint for the next 20 years, is required by government to increase the number of pitches for gypsies and travellers by 538, more than doubling the current provision.
The possible consequences of these targets came to light in a report compiled by the London Assembly Conservative Group.
Eleven boroughs responded to their survey, around one third of all boroughs.
Bexley, Southwark, Bromley, Kensington Chelsea, Wandsworth and Merton have said they would have to purchase additional land to accommodate targets.
Bexley, who dispute the need for more provision, think costs could translate at £65,000 per pitch while Southwark has estimated costs at £100,000 per pitch.
Bromley believes that buying land might mean pitches cost between £25,000 and £40,000.
Merton believes the minimum figure is £1million, and their target is nine pitches.
Lambeth, Bromley, Hillingdon and Bexley say that they would have to build on green space to meet the targets.
And Bexley, Lambeth, Bromley, Hillingdon and Merton told the survey that having to meet their new targets would mean commitments to wider housing targets will be compromised.
Camden, Islington and Southwark are also concerned their wider housing targets could be compromised.
Report author Tony Arbour, the London Assembly Member for the assembly constituency of the South West, covering Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, said that London boroughs are "extremely worried" that a financial burden could also impact on wider housing targets, and the delivery of affordable housing could be put at risk.
"There is no valid rationale for doubling the number of pitches, indeed the number of caravans requiring pitches has fallen by 15 per cent in recent years.
"We are told that the target is based on relocating those currently in regular housing to pitches because they have a 'psychological aversion to bricks and mortar'; this is not based on scientific research and cannot justify the expenditure.
"We hope that the Mayor will use this report to tell the government that the use of resources should not be wasted meeting unrealistic targets."
Among the recommendations being put forward is the mayor should make representations to government about the cost of land and available space which will impact on London boroughs meeting the targets for pitch provision.
They also believe the targets should be based on borough need.
The plan is currently at draft consultation stage and will go out to a public hearing in the summer.