CONCERNS have been raised by council chiefs in East Yorkshire about proposed Government guidelines for providing travellers’ sites.

The new policy by the Department for Communities and Local Government is aimed at increasing the number of pitches for gypsies and travellers and to avoid unauthorised sites being set up.

But a report which will go before East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet next week has highlighted potential flaws in the approach, which officers say could increase “tensions” between residents and the travelling community.

The cabinet will be asked to approve its response to the proposed policy, and the report by the authority’s director of policy, partnerships and improvement, Steve Button, revealed fears councils would be asked to draw up a five-year supply list of suitable sites without sufficient locations or funding being available.

It also said asking councils to consider planning applications for pitches “favourably” could risk “inappropriate development” taking place.