Pickles: Greater Freedom for Councils to Prevent Unauthorised Traveller Sites

Councils would be given greater freedom to stop unauthorised traveller sites being set up under proposals announced by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.  The proposals would allow councils greater freedom to choose when to use 'Temporary Stop Notices' in relation to caravans which are used as main residences and are in breach of planning control. This would be backed up with the potential for heavy fines. Under the current system councils are constrained as to when they can use powers against caravans which are main residences. It is the Government's view that local councils are best placed to judge whether to use a Temporary Stop Notice in relation to caravans, and should not be constrained by blanket rules.  Read more on the CLG website.