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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