Plans for 120 Gypsy pitches moves to next stage

New pitches are being planned in Chippenham, Semington, Southwick and Devizes

A draft plan for 120 new Gypsy and traveller pitches has been approved by a council cabinet.

The plan outlines how Wiltshire Council will meet the housing needs of Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople up to 2038.

It includes new pitches in Chippenham, Semington, Southwick and Devizes.

The council said the pitches will be on "well-designed sites in keeping with their surroundings".

The plan also includes a proposal of new sites in Bushton, Edigonton, Cleverton, Rowde, Upper Seagry and Potterne.

"We have a statutory duty to provide land to meet the accommodation needs of Wiltshire's Gypsies and travellers, including the allocation of sites in development plans," said councillor Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning.

He said the proposal will help to fulfil the council's obligations for housing and "plan for sustainable growth" while also meeting its commitment "to live well together in cohesive communities".

The plan will now be presented to full council on 25 February.