Justification for traveller accommodation provision

In accordance with the SPPS, the LDP will identify suitable traveller site(s) within the local policies plan. In addition to the protection of existing traveller accommodation, the zoning of sufficient land will allow for the provision of new facilities to meet any need that is likely to arise during the planning period. There is therefore an assumption that new traveller accommodation should be provided on zoned land in the first instance. In accordance with the SPPS need will be identified within an up to date HNA / HMA. An up to date traveller accommodation needs assessment, produced by periodically by NIHE, can also assist in ensuring proposed provision matches identified needs. At a local level, given an increasing desire within the traveller community for more conventional, settled housing solutions, it is important that the facilities provided are appropriate to the need identified.