A CONSERVATIVE MP has called for major changes to the law on Gypsy and traveller sites, meaning many fewer sites would be built in York.

Julian Sturdy, who represents York Outer, has been opposed in his plea by campaigners who say Gypsy and traveller families already face discrimination and residents struggle to find places to live.

The MP spoke out in a Parliamentary debate on the subject, saying that planning law should not give travellers special treatment, and should not consider families in "bricks and mortar" as being in need of pitches on Gypsy and traveller sites.

The Westminster Hall debate saw Mr Sturdy speak alongside Kettering MP Philip Hollobone, who talked about problems like theft, intimidation, and fly tipping in areas around traveller sites in his constituency.

Later, Mr Sturdy called for three major changes to planning law - starting by removing Gypsies and travellers who live in settled housing from an assessment of the need for Gypsy and traveller sites.

But Christine Shepherd of York Travellers' Trust said his arguments ignore the fact that many families only live in permanent housing because they have no other option.

Mr Sturdy also called for the Government to change its planning guidance to local councils, which currently urges them to provide for an annual three percent growth in traveller households, and to scrap a key part of the 2004 Housing Act.

He added: "This piece of legislation places Gypsies and travellers above every other ethnic group in the world by insisting that local authorities make special provision for assessing and providing for their needs.

"As a society it is important that all ethnic groups are treated fairly across the board. However, to deliver that fairness we need a level playing field so that, regardless of our racial or ethnic background, we are all equal before planning law."

Ms Shepherd, the Chief Executive of the Travellers' Trust in York, said: "I don't think Gypsies and travellers in York are given special treatment compared to other ethnic groups. In fact I would argue they are more discriminated against.

"I have worked with this community for more than 40 years, and I have seen the levels of discrimination they experience from some services and parts of the settled community.

"There is growth in the traveller community just like there is in the settled community."

The Press previously reported how Mr Sturdy objected to a proposed travellers' site between Rufforth and York outlined in City of York Council’s draft Local Plan last year, which include a 30-pitch site close to Harewood Whin landfill dump.