11.37 There is only occasional camping by the gypsy and travelling communities in Thanet. This can probably be attributed to lack of suitable work and the fact that Thanet is not an "en route" stopping place. In 2013 a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment was conducted covering Thanet, and neighbouring Dover, Canterbury and Shepway districts. This concludes that there is no pitch requirement for Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople in Thanet. On this basis no specific provision is identified in this Local Plan. Nevertheless, should proposals come forward to provide sites for such accommodation, applications will be considered on the basis of the following policy.

Policy HO22 - Accommodation for Gypsy and Travelling Communities

The use of land to provide accommodation for Gypsy and Travelling communities will be permitted provided the proposed use will not impact unreasonably on surrounding uses or local environmental quality, and the site has reasonable access to local facilities and services, particularly schools, employment and healthcare and lies outside areas at risk of flooding.