Gypsy and Traveller local plan review

The Islington Local Plan sets out a vision and framework to guide how we manage future development in the borough to make sure housing, employment and other needs are met. As part of the Local Plan, we are required to make sure that Gypsies and Travellers in Islington have places to live that better fit their needs. 

The council’s Local Plan was adopted in September 2023 and sets out the need for a focused review of the policy for Gypsy and Travellers. 

Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan review process

We started this review in March 2024. At that time, we asked people to share their first thoughts about the plan through a public consultation on the public consultation on the Scope of the Review paper.  

Between January and March 2025, we carried out a second round of consultation on how we look at possible sites. This was called the Gypsy and Traveller Site Assessment Methodology. This also included a “Call for Sites” where people could suggest locations for Gypsy and Traveller homes.

We then consulted on our plans to meet the need for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation for the first time between December 2025 and January 2026, where we identified sites.

What is happening now  

We are currently consulting on the Draft Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan – Sites and Policies (Regulation 19). We are asking for your views on plans to create high quality, affordable homes for Gypsy and Traveller residents.

A number of sites were identified across the borough, to provide between 10 and 13 pitches. A pitch is equivalent to one family home.

Some changes have been made to the plans since the last consultation.

The proposals seek to meet the need for permanent residential sites for Gypsy and Traveller residents who already live in conventional housing in Islington, and they will not provide transit sites.

The consultation is open until 18 August 2026.  

Read more about the consultation on the proposed sites on the Let’s Talk Islington page. 

Find out more and have your say

The documents can also be viewed in hard copy at the reception of Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), and during opening hours at Central Library, Mildmay, Cat and Mouse Library and Finsbury Library.

Why we are doing this

National planning rules require councils to meet the housing needs of all residents - including pitches for Gypsy and Traveller residents.  

Gypsy and Traveller residents have been part of Islington’s diverse communities for decades.  For many, living in a caravan is an important part of their culture. But at the moment, there are no pitches for caravans in the borough. 

These proposals aim to provide permanent homes for families who already live in Islington, often in social housing, but need accommodation that better fits their needs.   

A detailed study carried out by the council in 2019 showed that we need 10 Gypsy and Traveller pitches. New evidence from the Greater London Authority will mean we need 11 pitches over the next 15 years.  

What happens next

The provisional timetable is:

• December 2025 to January 2026 - consultation on the initial draft plan and potential sites 
• July to August 2026 - final consultation on draft Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan
• December 2026 - submission for independent examination by planning inspectors

The adoption timescale will depend on the outcome of the independent examination.