DORSET councils are ploughing ahead with plans to find gypsy and traveller sites – despite the coalition government’s decision not to compel them to do so.

The new government has scrapped the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which required 425 traveller pitches were found in Dorset.

And it has confirmed that decisions on the provision of traveller sites will rest with local councils in the future.

But, despite the shift, the nine local authorities in Dorset have launched a joint project to find permanent and transit sites across the county over the next three years.

Mike Evans, business manager in environmental services, Dorset County Council, said that while the number of sites required was likely to change, the need for them hadn’t.

“One way or another we have to deal with unauthorised camping,” he added.

Under current legislation the provision of legal sites enables police to use their powers to move on travellers camped illegally.

He added: “Our understanding is that unauthorised camping is still an issue and that the way to deal with that is strong enforcement linked to site provision, and we are proceeding on that basis.

“What is likely to change is the number of sites required.

“The RSS having been done away with, any numbers from that are no longer relevant.”

Mr Evans said the councils had argued against the RSS figure of 425 pitches previously, submitting a figure of around 100 less to the Secretary of State.

The Dorset councils have already signed a £250,000 contract with planning consultants Baker Associates and will push ahead the works as planned, added Mr Evans.

“It will be of no benefit not to do it.

“All that will happen if we put it off is unauthorised camping will continue causing the nuisance it does.”

Baker Associates are set to issue a call for sites to landowners.

Potential sites will be assessed and the most suitable go to public consultation next year.

Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for environment, Robert Gould, said: “This is an important piece of work.

“While a gap between the accommodation needs of travellers and the number of available authorised sites remains, trespass and the problems associated with that are bound to continue.”

Cllr Mike Brooke, Lib Dem opposition leader at Borough of Poole, said it made sense for the councils to work together.

“It’s important that we look for potential sites and recognise the fact that it’s contentious, but equally contentious is the access that travellers make on private land, which is illegal.

“As always, public consultation from a very early stage is absolutely fundamental,” he said.