COUNCILLORS are on a collision course with the Government over planning policies for gipsies.

Wychavon District Council’s deputy leader and executive member for planning, infrastructure and housing has blasted proposals which would force it and other councils to provide land for gipsy sites over the next five years.

Councillor Judy Pearce said the Government’s plans were “flawed”.

She claimed the new rules would give gipsies unfair priority to build in open land and said the Government was proposing to help travellers maintain a “nomadic” existence when in fact most wanted a settled base with access to schooling and healthcare.

“The starting point is flawed,” she said.

“And if travellers want permanent sites then they should be treated the same as everyone else.”

She fears Wychavon may have shot itself in the foot by approving more gipsy pitches in the past, as this could now be used to show higher demand for pitches in the area.

Where demand is higher, applications would be more likely approved.

Instead she said the need for travellers’ sites should be based on local housing targets.

The council’s executive board is writing to the Government to voice its strong opposition.

Maggie Smith-Bendall, a National Federation of Romany Gypsy Liaison Officers member, said the gipsy community was also unhappy with the plans, saying the majority did want access to basic amenities and permanent pitches.

“Without sites, gipsies and travellers cannot get healthcare, a bank account, or access to a dentist because you need a post code for that.”

She said Wychavon had a better track record “than most” allowing traveller pitches.