PLANS for at least 88 new travellers pitches in South Cambridgeshire have been revealed, including sites in Cambourne and Northstowe. Development bosses at South Cambridgeshire District Council are consulting on locations for 149 pitches - at nine new s

PLANS for at least 88 new travellers' pitches in South Cambridgeshire have been revealed, including sites in Cambourne and Northstowe.

Development bosses at South Cambridgeshire District Council are consulting on locations for 149 pitches - at nine new settlements and expansions of existing ones.

These will be narrowed down to at least 88 in a proposed consultation lasting 13 weeks from July 10 to noon on October 9.

The new sites include proposals for 10 pitches in Cambourne, 20 in Northstowe, eight for Swavesey and five for Bassingbourn.

Other options include sites that already exist and have temporary planning permission, such as Chesterton Fen and Willingham.

The largest site would be 28 pitches in Sandy Park, Chesterton Road on the edge of Cambridge.

Bosses at SCDC say it has a set number of pitches it needs to find by 2021 under national and regional planning policy.

Portfolio holder for new communities Cllr David Bard said: "Travellers represent the biggest ethnic minority in the district (one per cent of the population) and we are committed to addressing the needs of all parts of the community living in South Cambridgeshire. We are required by the East of England Plan to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites to meet a need identified at a regional level. The sites have to be in the right place.

"At this stage, nothing is final. We have made a firm commitment to involve the community in all stages of the preparation of the plan and at my portfolio holder meeting I will be ensuring we have the means in place to consult effectively with the public so that everyone who wants to can have their say on proposed sites and if they wish, put forward alternative sites for consideration."

If the gypsy and traveller development plan is given the go-ahead by the council on Friday, June 19, comments will be invited from the public online and by post.

Wherever possible, SCDC will ask that comments be made online at www.scambs.co.uk/ldf or forms can be requested by emailing ldf@scambs.gov.uk

The full report can be viewed online at www.scambs.co.uk/ldf or viewed during normal office hours at SCDC's offices in Cambourne.

Exhibitions are planned from 1pm to 8pm at Willingham Village Hall on 20 July, Cottenham Village College on July 22, The Limes, Old School Hall, Bassingbourn on July 24 and Milton Community Centre) on July 31.