Travellers: Caravan Sites

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

National planning policy is clear that it is the responsibility of local planning authorities to assess the need for traveller sites in their areas and plan to meet that need, in the same way that they plan for all forms of housing.

In producing their local plan, local planning authorities should set pitch targets for traveller sites and identify a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide five years' worth of sites against their locally set targets.

When considering applications, local planning authorities should consider matters such as the local need for sites and whether an up-to-date five-year supply of deliverable sites can be demonstrated. It is for local authorities to make decisions on specific development proposals and locations, taking into account all relevant circumstances.

Retrospective planning applications must be determined in accordance with the local development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new NPPF. The draft Framework, which can be found on gov.uk here, incorporates policies relating to traveller sites, currently set out in Planning Policy For Traveller Sites, within relevant chapters and the consultation sought views on strengthening the policy on intentional unauthorised development.

We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.