Right now, the Government is consulting on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
That might sound technical, but the reality is simple:
Planning policy decides whether Gypsy and Traveller families can have a lawful place to live.
For decades our communities have been caught in a cycle:
• there are not enough authorised sites
• families create homes for their children
• planning enforcement follows.
The system then treats this as a problem of behaviour rather than a problem of housing provision.
Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC has submitted evidence to the consultation based on welfare reporting supporting families across England.
What we see repeatedly is that planning decisions are rarely just about land.
They affect:
• disabled children and access to specialist education
• mental health and family stability
• safeguarding and wellbeing
• financial and mental strain caused by repeated planning applications and appeals.
In some cases, families with disabled children have faced enforcement for structures that would be considered completely normal in any other garden — a play area, low fencing, or a garden shed adapted as a quiet sensory space.
We also see families forced to repeatedly apply for temporary planning permission every few years, spending thousands of pounds and exposing their children’s health and education to public scrutiny simply to remain in the same home.
These are not isolated cases. They are structural problems within the planning system.
Gypsy and Traveller communities have always existed as small family-based micro-communities. Where stable sites exist we repeatedly see strong informal support networks: elders cared for within family groups, disabled relatives supported by extended family, and reduced reliance on external services.
Planning policy must recognise these realities.
If this consultation passes without Gypsy and Traveller voices being heard, the opportunity to address long-standing inequalities in site provision and planning practice may be lost for years.
That is why it is vital that individuals, families, and organisations submit responses.
You do not need to write a long policy document.
Even a short response explaining why fair access to sites matters can make a difference.
You can read our submission and supporting evidence here:
PGT-NPPF-Briefing-March-2026 Proud-Gypsy-Traveller-CIC-–-Evidence-from-Welfare-Reports PGTNPPFConsultationResponse2026And you can submit your own response to the Government consultation here:
Every response matters.
Planning policy affects whether our communities can live safely, lawfully and with dignity.
Now is the time to speak.
— Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC
Easy Response Cheat Sheet
Responding to the Planning Consultation
You do not need to be a planner or lawyer to respond.
Just share your experience.
What You Can Say
You can write something simple like:
Example Response
I support planning reforms that ensure Gypsy and Traveller families have access to lawful places to live.
There are not enough authorised sites in many areas. This forces families into situations where they either live roadside or face planning enforcement when trying to create homes for their children.
Planning policy should:
• recognise Gypsy and Traveller sites as culturally appropriate housing
• ensure councils properly assess accommodation need
• allow planning decisions to consider children’s welfare, health needs and lack of available sites.
Stable sites help families stay in school, maintain health care and support each other within extended family networks.
Planning policy should help provide homes, not create barriers to them.
If You Want to Write Your Own
You could include things like:
• There are not enough Gypsy & Traveller sites.
• Families should not face enforcement for trying to create homes.
• Planning decisions should consider disabled children and education.
• Gypsy & Traveller sites are homes, not temporary places.
You only need to write a few sentences.
Why This Matters
Planning policy affects whether Gypsy and Traveller families can:
• stay in one place
• keep children in school
• access healthcare
• live safely without fear of eviction.
Your voice can help show that these issues matter.
Need Help?
You can read Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC’s suggested “cheat sheet” here:
PGT-Cheat-Sheet-