Gypsy and Traveller sites

The council provides a Gypsy and Traveller site at Smithies Lane, off Wakefield Road, on the fringe of Barnsley town centre. There are currently 30 pitches on the site.

The Smithies Lane site is managed by Berneslai Homes on behalf of the council. If you'd like to enquire about accommodation at Smithies Lane contact Berneslai Homes by calling (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, requires planning permission before works can start. Find out more about planning requirements.

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.

To report the presence of an unauthorised encampment you should contact our Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer by phoning (01226) 773555 or by filling in our online form.

Read our procedure for dealing with unauthorised encampments.