This news story is brought to you by  http://www.planningresource.co.uk , the website for Planning and
Regeneration & Renewal magazines.

NEW GUIDANCE TO HELP COUNCILS REMOVE GYPSY SITES

The government yesterday issued guidance to rid communities of
unauthorised Gypsy and traveller sites.

The ODPM said it would strengthen enforcement powers and address the
shortage of authorised sites.

The department will establish a new task group on enforcement involving
the police and local government.

Planning minister Yvette Cooper said: "Stronger enforcement and more
appropriate sites have to go hand in hand if we are to find a long term
solution to the problems some communities face."

The government admitted the success of new temporary stop notices
introduced in March 2005 had been patchy.

Some authorities, such as North West Leicestershire District Council,
have successfully used the notices, but others have not.

The task group will examine the difficulties some local agencies face.

The government will also consult on giving stronger and swifter planning
enforcement powers to local authorities who have identified alternative
provision.

Further guidance will be published later this year, covering enforcement
where Gypsies and travellers develop their own land without planning
permission.

Planning Circular 01/2006: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan
Sites, replaces Circular 01/1994: Gypsy Sites and Planning. It can
be accessed by clicking here -  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/planning-circulars

Draft guidance, Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments is
available by clicking here -  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/gypsysites

A guide for councillors, Local Authorities and Gypsies and Travellers:
a Guide to Responsibilities and Powers is available by clicking here
-  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/gypsysites.

*************************************************

WORLD PETITION TO SAVE DALE FARM

So far there are 650 names on the Petition, please and yours
and collect more names from your friends.

PETITION AGAINST ETHNIC CLEANSING

To be presented to Basildon Council on Roma Nation Day
8 April, 2006.

We, the undersigned, condemn all acts of ethnic-cleansing
and forceful removal being perpetuated against Roma and
Travellers.

But in particular we wish to draw attention
to the courageous stand being made by the residents of
Dale Farm who, despite a vote by Basildon Council to destroy
their homes, continue in the name of Travellers everywhere,
their non-violent campaign to save their community
from the bulldozer.

We call for common sense, reason and tolerance: leave Dale Farm alone.

To add your name, email the text above to  dale.farm@ntlworld.comThis news story is brought to you by  http://www.planningresource.co.uk , the website for Planning and
Regeneration & Renewal magazines.

NEW GUIDANCE TO HELP COUNCILS REMOVE GYPSY SITES

The government yesterday issued guidance to rid communities of
unauthorised Gypsy and traveller sites.

The ODPM said it would strengthen enforcement powers and address the
shortage of authorised sites.

The department will establish a new task group on enforcement involving
the police and local government.

Planning minister Yvette Cooper said: "Stronger enforcement and more
appropriate sites have to go hand in hand if we are to find a long term
solution to the problems some communities face."

The government admitted the success of new temporary stop notices
introduced in March 2005 had been patchy.

Some authorities, such as North West Leicestershire District Council,
have successfully used the notices, but others have not.

The task group will examine the difficulties some local agencies face.

The government will also consult on giving stronger and swifter planning
enforcement powers to local authorities who have identified alternative
provision.

Further guidance will be published later this year, covering enforcement
where Gypsies and travellers develop their own land without planning
permission.

Planning Circular 01/2006: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan
Sites, replaces Circular 01/1994: Gypsy Sites and Planning. It can
be accessed by clicking here -  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/planning-circulars

Draft guidance, Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments is
available by clicking here -  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/gypsysites

A guide for councillors, Local Authorities and Gypsies and Travellers:
a Guide to Responsibilities and Powers is available by clicking here
-  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/gypsysites.

*************************************************

WORLD PETITION TO SAVE DALE FARM

So far there are 650 names on the Petition, please and yours
and collect more names from your friends.

PETITION AGAINST ETHNIC CLEANSING

To be presented to Basildon Council on Roma Nation Day
8 April, 2006.

We, the undersigned, condemn all acts of ethnic-cleansing
and forceful removal being perpetuated against Roma and
Travellers.

But in particular we wish to draw attention
to the courageous stand being made by the residents of
Dale Farm who, despite a vote by Basildon Council to destroy
their homes, continue in the name of Travellers everywhere,
their non-violent campaign to save their community
from the bulldozer.

We call for common sense, reason and tolerance: leave Dale Farm alone.

To add your name, email the text above to dale.farm AT ntlworld.com