A PUBLIC consultation on plans for new gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople sites in South East England closes in under three weeks.

The South East England Regional Assembly wants views on ten year targets for new caravan pitches and how they should be spread across the region before it closes at 5pm on November 21.

The Assembly’s work will agree how many spaces are needed in each council area.

Individual councils will decide the exact location of new spaces.

Chairman of the Assembly’s Regional Planning Committee Cllr Moira Gibson said: “Increasing the number of stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers across the South East will help reduce the number of unauthorised encampments that can cause tension with the settled community.

“This is why it is important that as many people as possible respond to this consultation and help us identify how pitches should be spread across the South East.”