Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

'Open' government? Not at County Hall.

Wiltshire Council's "capital assets committee" will meet in closed session next Tuesday to consider allocating land owned by the council for gypsy sites.

A general item on the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document, which is being prepared as part of the Core Strategy, will be held in open session, but the public will then be excluded for the detailed discussion of individual site options.

WC estimates that, 'To maintain a five year supply of sites throughout the proposed plan period of the Gypsy and Traveller DPD, land for a minimum of 78 new permanent pitches, 25 transit pitches and 5 travelling show people plots needs to be provided.'

The lack of provision for traveller sites was highlighted by the Inspector when he commented on the first draft of the Core Strategy.

Even when the targets have been met, that will not be a reason for refusing even more pitches if planning applications are made for them.