COUNCIL bosses are seeking residents' views on providing accommodation for travellers as a consultation was launched this week.

Last week a report stated Chiltern District Council needed to provide nine new pitches for travellers and 16 for travelling showpeople by 2026.

The authority has already pinpointed five existing traveller sites that could be extended to provide the new pitches and a further five that could be used to provide accommodation.

However the council stressed this does not mean the identified sites are suitable for development, adding use of land for travellers or travelling showpeople within the Green Belt is inappropriate.

This week the council began a consultation as part of its Delivery Development Plan Document - part of a wider government scheme that requires local authorities to identify and meet accommodation needs for the travelling communities.

Cllr Graham Harris, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: "Before we propose specific sites we want to test options through public consultation. We want to hear as many views as possible on how best to plan for the travelling community on this important issue and I would encourage those with an interest to take part in the consultation."

The plans can be found online at www.chiltern.gov.uk/planning/deliverydevelopmentplandocument, in libraries and at the Council Offices in King George V Road in Amersham.

Responses must be returned by 5pm on Monday, October 14. Forms can be emailed to planningpolicy@chiltern.gov.uk or posted to Planning Policy Team, Chiltern District Council, King George V House, King George V Road, Amersham, HP6 5AW.

The outcome will be the subject of a formal public consultation which is expected to start early in the new year.