The Conservative Party has put forward a package of policies to prevent unauthorised traveller encampments and to take swift action when they appear. Unauthorised encampments cause disruption and demonstrate a two-tier system existing where planning rules are circumvented and ignored by a minority. The policies include giving the police and councils more powers to remove unauthorised encampments, prevent returns to those sites and to stop retrospective planning applications. Protections for the green belt and countryside will also be put in place and withdrawal from the ECHR will also prevent the planning system being abused.
The Witham constituency has been affected by unauthorised encampments, including recently at the Rickstones Recreation Ground. Priti said:
“Unauthorised encampments are a blight on our community and cause disruption. They demonstrate that a two-tier system has come about whereby planning rules are ignored and circumvented by some. These changes would mean prompt, robust and strong enforcement action could take place to tackle trespassing and breaches of planning and deter further rule-breaking. These changes will be welcomed by communities in Witham who have been affected by unauthorised encampments.”
