THE number of traveller sites in the Tendring district needs to almost double over the next 20 years, council bosses have been told.

A report showed the district needed an extra ten pitches by 2033.

There are 11 pitches in the district, but the Essex Planning Officers Association’s new Gypsy and Traveller and Accommodation Assessment report said the traveller population was growing by two per cent a year.

Across Essex, almost 800 new pitches are needed over the next 20 years, but most are in the Basildon area.

County Hall planning boss John Jowers said: “By planning carefully for the county’s gipsy and traveller community, it is hoped we will avoid some of the problems with illegal encampments that so frustrate residents.”

There are currently 11 pitches in Tendring, including in Colchester Road in Great Bentley, Gutteridge Hall Lane in Weeley, Crockleford Heath at Ardleigh, Badley Hall Road in Great Bromley and Carringtons Road, Great Bromley.

There is also an unauthorised site in Clacton Road, Elmstead Market. The location of newpitches will be up to Tendring Council through the Local Plan process.