Barnet faces 16 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches target
Draft London Plan proposes targets for boroughs across the capital, with consultation open until October 2026.
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Barnet Council is facing a proposed target of 16 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches by the 2036/37 financial year, according to the draft London Plan. This figure forms part of a wider set of targets for all London boroughs, which aim to address a long-standing shortage of suitable sites for Gypsy and Traveller communities across the capital.
Borough targets vary significantly
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The draft plan, currently undergoing public consultation until October 2026, outlines differing requirements for each borough. Havering is projected to deliver the largest number of new pitches, with a target of 73. In contrast, Kensington and Chelsea has been assigned a target of zero new pitches.
Hammersmith and Fulham, a smaller borough, is expected to provide 24 new pitches. This target has drawn criticism, with local councillors highlighting public concern over space scarcity and the potential impact on existing residents' needs. Concerns have also been raised about the assessment of need, with elements of the initial report believed to be flawed, potentially misallocating sites between Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that the draft plan requires every borough to plan for the accommodation needs of Gypsy and Traveller communities. They added that it is for individual boroughs to determine how best to meet identified needs through their local plans, in consultation with their communities. Neither the Mayor nor the Greater London Authority have proposed specific sites, leaving the delivery responsibility to the councils.
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Next steps for the London Plan
Following the current public consultation, which concludes in October 2026, an examination in public is scheduled for next year. The final adoption of the London Plan is anticipated in early 2028. Barnet Council will need to consider the proposed target of 16 pitches within its local planning framework.
Questions this report answers
+How many new Gypsy and Traveller pitches is Barnet expected to provide?
Barnet Council is assigned a target of 16 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches by the 2036/37 financial year under the draft London Plan. This target is part of a wider London-wide strategy to address accommodation needs for these communities.
+When can residents comment on the draft London Plan?
The public consultation on the draft London Plan is open until October 2026. Residents and stakeholders can submit their feedback on the proposed targets and policies during this period.
+Which borough has the highest target for new pitches?
Havering is projected to deliver the highest number of new Gypsy and Traveller pitches across London, with a target of 73 by 2036/37. This contrasts with other boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea, which has a target of zero.
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