BORIS Johnson wants to reduce the target for the number of Gypsy and Traveller sites London must provide by half.The original target of 538 included in the Mayor’s draft London Plan highlighted doubts that the target could be met
BORIS Johnson wants to cut by half the target for the number of Gypsy and Traveller sites London must provide.
The original target of 538 included in the Mayor’s draft London Plan highlighted doubts that the target could be met, following public consultations which ended in January.
So he is now suggesting 238 sites instead, a “more sustainable and deliverable target” which was published yesterday.
Boris is adamant the target should be realistic rather than unreachable’ for organisations like local authorities which have to provide the sites.
“It was apparent the targets could not be justified nor achieved,” he said.
“There is no point setting targets that will clearly not be delivered.
“What I have put forward now strikes the right balance between what can be delivered and addressing the needs.”
The Mayor’s revised number has been welcomed by London Councils, the body representing the 33 local authorities across the capital.
Its chairman Merrick Cockell said: “This shows Boris is listening. This is more realistic target, which shows the Mayor is responding to legitimate concerns on this sensitive issue.”
The proposed replacement target is now going out for seven weeks’ public consultation before it can be included in the revised London Plan.
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