THERE is a growing need for traveller sites in Hyndburn, a new report has revealed.

A total of 35 new pitches will be needed by 2028, the Hyndburn Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment found.

MORE TOP STORIES:

In a report that went before the council’s cabinet earlier this week, chief planning and transportation officer Simon Prideaux said: “These figures should be seen as the project amount of provision which is necessary to meet the statutory obligations towards identifiable needs of the population arising in the area.”

The council already has in excess in excess of 40 empty pitches on a range of private sites across the borough that could be used to meet future demand.

The study was carried out to satisfy several national policies and frame-works, which are set out to “ensure fair and equal treatment of travellers, in a way that facilitates the traditional and noma-dic way of life for travellers, while respecting the interests of the settled community”.

Mr Prideaux added: “This study has taken a conservative esti-mate and assumed that 60 pitches are occupied and 40 are vacant.

“The existence of vacant pitches on this scale provides a problem as to whether they can be considered as available supply.

“The pitches are all in private ownership and, for many, the on-site facilities are considered poor.

“The council needs to explore options for bringing these vacant sites into use to meet the needs identified in this study.”

There are two unauthorised gypsy and traveller sites in Hyndburn, at Moss Lane and Fir Trees.

The largest author-ised sites include Whinney Hill Road, which has 15 of its 16 pitches occupied, and The Green and Duncan Square, which has 12 of its 15 pitches occupied.

The recently-opened site at Sankey House Farm has nine of its 10 pitches available. A site for travelling showpeople, in Burn-ley Road, has 18 plots, none of which are occupied.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “Hyndburn has been at the very forefront of providing sites. We have taken more than our fair share, but of course we will always keep to what is required of us."