Supplementary Planning documents and other guidance

Pitch and Plot Allocation Scheme for Travellers (allocated sites)

This SPD provides guidance to support the implementation of Policy SL22 of the adopted Runnymede 2030 Local Plan which is concerned with meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople (referred to hereafter as Travellers). Specifically, it seeks to provide further clarity on how a discreet part of the policy on page 110 of the Local Plan, which is concerned with the provision of new pitches and plots on sites allocated through the Local Plan, should be applied.

Specifically, the part of policy SL22 that the SPD seeks to provide further guidance on is as follows:

Where traveller pitches are required to be provided on sites allocated through this Local Plan, the Council will secure their delivery through the imposition of appropriate planning conditions or obligations attached to any planning approval granted. Those obligations will include an appropriate management agreement including measures to secure: 

  • Phasing of site delivery and trigger points to secure early delivery, proportionate to the site delivery; 
  • Measures to ensure the site is secured in perpetuity for Gypsies, Travellers or Travelling Showpeople (in accordance with the relevant definition from the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, or any replacement guidance) as appropriate; 
  • A policy for Allocation (to preserve access for those with local connection); and, 
  • Further to Policy SL20, consideration of delivery of a proportion of the pitches or plots at below market rate, as affordable housing, based on evidence of need as set out in the Council’s latest GTAA and viability at the time of the application. This consideration applies to both the provision of pitches or plots on site and in cases where provision is proposed off site.

The SPD was approved for adoption by the Planning Committee on 28 May 2025 and was implemented on 9th June 2025. A copy of the adopted SPD and other supporting documentation can be viewed below: