NEW plans to deal with rogue traveller and gypsy camps on council-owned land have again been cast into the spotlight.

A draft policy has been drawn up to deal with a rising number of unauthorised camps in the borough. It has already undergone extensive consultation.

A meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Cabinet has already given it a stamp of approval.

Under the proposals, which have been developed in line with government guidance, travellers would be allowed to remain in a camp if family members include either a pregnant woman or a school-age child.

Camps may also be tolerated if they house those receiving medical treatment or in need of housing assistance.

However, the draft policy says if a camp consists of more than six caravans, is located in a densely populated area or a sensitive site, it is unlikely to remain.

Travellers also could be evicted if their behaviour gives cause for concern, results in criminal activity or complaints are received from residents.

Cabinet members believe the new policy is fair and balanced and will benefit everybody.

Councillor David Potter, who recently resigned as Cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: "I hope the settled community will understand the logic behind this new policy.

"It's all about balancing the rights of the travelling community with the rights of the settled community and I think this policy gets it right."

Since April, 2004, there have been 50 recorded cases of unauthorised camps in the borough, compared with 19 in the previous 12 months.

While the draft policy acknowledges many of the families forming illegal camps have permanent homes elsewhere, the search is on for new sites suitable for traveller camps, in addition to the five already located in Hampshire.

Despite being approved by the council's Cabinet, the plans will still have to be given the green light by the full council at its meeting this Thursday before they can be implemented.

First published: Monday, April 4, 2005