The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 requires planning authorities to seek the views of Gypsies and Travellers in preparing an Evidence Report for their Local Development Plans (LDPs) and to include a summary of the action taken by planning authorities to meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

A previous consultation in late 2021/early 2022 on Local Development Plan regulations and guidance proposed to hold a separate consultation on the definition of Gypsies and Travellers for the above purposes, to enable targeted involvement of the community and an explanation of the specific matters associated with this requirement.

The Scottish Government said it will take account of views received to inform the drafting of secondary legislation, which provides the legal framework for preparing Local Development Plans (LDPs). It wants to engage with members of the Gypsy/Traveller community and other travelling communities, and to hear from those working closely with them, third sector organisations/representative bodies of the Gypsy/Traveller community and local authorities.

The consultation closes on February 15.