STRATFORD District Council is launching a consultation into what the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan should contain.

The council is currently preparing the submission draft Core Strategy to shape future sustainable development in the district which will be supported by other plans, including a Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.

It is proposed that the Local Plan, which will set out how future accommodation needs for gypsies and travellers will be met to 2031.

Councillor Chris Saint, council leader, said: “Meeting the future accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers in Stratford District is a key issue for planning policy to address and is a requirement of National Planning Policy.

"It is something we have to do, whilst taking into account local views as far as is possible. The Planning Inspectorate will judge the soundness of our Plan, so it is important for our residents to take this opportunity to tell us what you think the plan should cover.”

Evidence from the Stratford Gypsy and Traveller accommodation Assessment, ORS October 2011 shows that there is a need for 82 permanent pitches required up to 2031.

And with eight pitches being granted permanent planning permission already granted, this leaves 74 pitches to identify.

To view the consultation documents, including a summary leaflet and a ‘Call for Sites’ form, visit stratford.gov.uk/gandt. Hard copies will also be available at the District Council offices in Stratford during normal opening hours.

Comments can be made electronically via the consultation document itself or the comment form can be emailed to planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk or posted to Stratford District Council, FREEPOST CV2468, Consultation Unit, Chief Executive's Unit, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford, CV37 6BR.

The consultation runs from tomorrow (Friday) to 5pm on Friday, March 28.

- This consultation is separate to the proposed changes to the Core Strategy which are also out for consultation until 5pm on Friday, March 14.