Select Committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Minutes of Evidence


Memorandum by The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, The London & Home Counties Section (TF 03)

1.  THE CONTINUED VALUE OF HISTORIC TRAVELLING FAIRS

  These historic travelling fairs are extremely important to the livelihood of the Showmen and must be taken into consideration when redevelopments are planned. They are part of the English heritage and we must object in the strongest terms to their being moved out of the towns. It would be devastating to the showland community and their way of life if these sites cease to exist.

2.  THE PROVISION OF SITES FOR TRAVELLING FAIRS

  Where fairs are held annually in parks and recreation grounds, if any redevelopment takes places which affects the fair site, we need to be involved from the beginning so as to have an input into any changes made. Any new development should include hard standing and services, including water and electricity. Any new sites should be within a defined catchment area, easily accessible to the public and not miles out of town.

3.  THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE IN CARRYING OUT THEIR TRADE

  In order to conduct their business in a proper manner, Showmen need a secure base. This enables them to maintain and repair their equipment during the closed season to comply with Health & Ssafety requirements.

4.  THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING PLANNING GUIDANCE ON THE PROVISIONS OF QUARTERS FOR TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE

  In my view, the existing Planning Guidance, Circular 22/91, is not strong enough. To be absolutely clear on what part of the Circular has failed which affects an Inspector's decision, we need to have discussions with legal consultants who are familiar with dealing with Showmen's appeals regarding sites. This is where we will get detailed information of parts of the Circular that are not working.

  We need to know what can be done to strengthen this Circular.

5.  WHETHER ANY ACTION IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE REGARD IS HAD TO THE NEEDS OF TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE WITHIN THE PLANNING SYSTEM

  In my view, there needs to be some form of leaflet sent to all local authorities to pass on to their elected Council members making them aware of the special needs of travelling Showmen within the planning system. A the moment, the majority of elected Councillors think Showmen are parasites on society and of no value to the community. I am sorry to say that in many cases I feel Showmen's yards become a local political issue when applying for planning permission.

D Manning
London Section Planning Delegate

January 2000


 
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