Article: Gypsy & Traveller Information Article Body Welcome to the Barnsley Council Gypsies and Travellers Information webpage. This webpage contains links, towards the bottom of the page, to services provided by Barnsley Council, other local authorities and other agencies which all relate to the Gypsy and Traveller Community. In addition, we have also provided links to some relevant information from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding best practice guidance and legislation. Gypsy and Traveller Site Provision in Barnsley The Council provides a Gypsy and Traveller site at Smithies Lane, off Wakefield Road, on the fringe of Barnsley town centre. There are currently 28 pitches on the site but this will increase to 30 upon completion of works to extend and refurbish the site in spring 2012. In addition to an increase in the number of pitches some of the other pitches will be significantly increased in size so as to accommodate larger family groups. The Smithies Lane site is managed by Berneslai Homes on behalf of the Council. If you would like to enquire about accommodation on the site please click here or contact Berneslai Homes on tel. 01226 771260. In addition to the Smithies Lane Site there are a small number of privately owned sites. The development of new Gypsy and Traveller sites or the expansion of existing sites will require planning permission before works can start. For more information on Planning requirements click here. The existing provision of sites is not enough to meet the demand for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the Borough which results in unauthorised encampments. The Council recognises the problems that can be caused by unauthorised encampments and is attempting to attract funding to enable the development of a new site. Managing Unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller Encampments Unauthorised encampments are problematic in that they rarely provide an appropriate or adequate setting for accommodation. They frequently result in poor living conditions for Gypsies and Travellers and an inconvenience to the local communities in which such encampments arise. In addition, the land that has been occupied is being trespassed upon which will almost always be contrary to the wishes of the land owner. For all of these reasons the Council is obliged to manage unauthorised encampments. For any incidents of antisocial behaviour, please call the non emergency police line, as you would in any other case using the non emergency direct number "101" or calling South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020. To report the presence of an unauthorised encampment during normal working hours you should contact the Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer by phoning 01226 772573 or by email to GypsyandTravellerenquiries@barnsley.gov.uk To report the presence of an unauthorised encampment outside normal working hours the Council's Safer Neighbourhood Team should be contacted: Kendray and Worsbrough SNT 01226 736387 Royston SNT 01226 736361 Central SNT 01226 787108 Hoyland SNT 01226 736490 Penistone SNT 01226 736387 Wombwell and Darfield SNT 01709 832135 Dearne SNT 01709 832135 Darton SNT 07717 736395 Dodworth SNT 07717 736395 Cudworth SNT 01226 736592 More detail on the Council's procedure for managing unauthorised encampments can be found by clicking here. Contact Tel: 012126 772573 Fax: 01226 772995 Email: GypsyandTravellerenquiries@barnsley.gov.uk Write: Strategy, Growth and Regeneration PO Box 603 Barnsley S70 9FD Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 09:00am to 05:00pm Friday: 09:00am to 04:30pm Further Information Gypsy and Traveller Sites (Berneslai Homes) provides information on what a Gypsy and Traveller site is and how to apply to use a site. Planning Permission: Development Control Department (Development Management) will help you determine if planning permission is required for a development or a change of use, will assist you in submitting your planning application and provide information about the planning process. BMBC Licence: Caravan Site provides information on planning permission for a caravan site. Ethnic Minority Achievement and Traveller Education Service service helps Children's Services to respond to the changing profile of needs of minority ethnic, Gypsy and Traveller children and young people across the borough. Housing Research: South Yorkshire Gypsy and Traveller Accomodation Needs Assessment 2007 is a report which focuses on the future housing needs of Barnsley, identify housing markets, understand their drivers and provide evidence to support market interventions in Worsbrough, the Green Corridor (in the north-east of the Borough) and the Dearne Housing Market Renewal (HMR) area. Other Agencies Barnsley Black and Ethnic Minority Initiative (BBEMI) exists to promote good race relations and racial harmony amongst Black and Minority Ethnics (BME) and the wider community of Barnsley. Other Local Authorities Sheffield Council: Traveller Services provides contact details and reports regarding Gypsy and Traveller sites. Department for Communities and Local Government Definition of Gypsies and Travellers for the Purposes of the Housing Act 2004 focuses on a proposed definition of 'Gypsies and Travellers' to apply in the context of regulations. Gypsy and Traveller Site Design sets out good practice in respect of the design of Gypsy and Traveller sites. Draft Guidance on the Management of Gypsy and Traveller Sites sets out good practice regarding the management of Gypsy and Traveller sites Local Authorities and Gypsies and Travellers: A Guide to Responsibilities and Powers focuses on the Government's objective that Gypsies and Travellers and the settled community should live together peacefully. Guide to Effective use of Enforcement Powers - Unauthorised Encampments This document is intended for elected officials and others in the community who have an interest in how unauthorised camping by Gypsies and Travellers is managed in their area Legislation Accomodation Needs Assessment (Housing Act 2004 S.225) gives an overview of the 2004 Housing Act.