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Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Ended on the 11 January 2026
Policy Map

Dayrooms and amenity blocks

Policy TR9: Dayrooms and amenity blocks

  1. Dayrooms and amenity blocks should be:
    1. appropriate both in scale and massing; single storey, relative to the size of the site, the number of households intending to utilise it, and the surrounding landscape;
       
    2. grouped with development and sited so as to be space effective in the context of the site; allowing for sufficient space for mobiles and tourers; and
       
    3. accessible to all users.
  1. The proposed building must be in keeping with the surrounding area.
  1. Proposals should demonstrate accordance with LPR design policies LPRQD1 and LPRQD2 in terms of renewable energy measures, water consumption, integrated ecological enhancements, and external lighting.
  1. Dayrooms and amenity blocks are often a necessary component on Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites and it is generally expected that each pitch will have an amenity block or dayroom. Their purpose is to complement the caravans or mobile homes that residents live in, providing essential amenities that may not be available within the caravans themselves. Dayrooms typically serve as a communal living space but are not intended for use as a main residence. Dayrooms/amenity blocks are not intended for residential use and may be subject to Enforcement action if they are found to be used for something they were not permitted for.
  1. An amenity block or dayroom should generally provide a hot and cold-water supply; toilet; and bathing, laundry and kitchen facilities suitable for the size of the pitch. A communal amenity block may be appropriate for some sites and should be the appropriate size for the number of people using it. Semi-detached amenity blocks may be more cost effective in some cases.
  1. The size of dayrooms or amenity blocks can vary depending on whether they are detached or semi-detached and for how many people each dayroom is serving. Dayrooms or amenity blocks for communal use tend to be larger than those designed for individual household use. It is therefore important to ensure that dayrooms and amenity blocks are well appointed to fulfil their function, as well as being appropriately designed with regard to their context and setting.
  1. It is expected that proposed buildings should be designed to be of a height, scale and volume suitable for the functionality of the dayroom/amenity block, but not be excessively spacious beyond that. Single storey dayrooms are preferred. This is in order to minimise harm to the landscape and wider setting.
  1. Any amenity blocks should consider policies and standards regarding accessibility, and should be designed to ensure all areas of the site are accessible to all users. This is particularly important given the often multigenerational families that live together on sites, as well as the documented higher levels of long term health issues within the Gypsy and Traveller communities; both of which may impact on peoples' ability to access dayrooms or amenity blocks.
  1. Consideration should also be given to the location of an amenity block within the pitch, with the aim to be 'space effective' i.e. located to one side of the pitch to avoid 'wasted space' and maximise space for caravans and vehicles.
  1. Preferably, buildings should not block views of streets or spaces or other pitches in order to promote good contact between members of the community and improve sight safety.
  1. Simple, low-key design features and materials are generally considered more appropriate for amenity blocks and dayrooms to ensure they are in keeping with the surrounding area. In most cases this means reflecting the surrounding rural character and landscape.
  1. Additional supporting evidence is currently being prepared by specialist consultants, to support and further enhance policies relating to design and layout. This evidence will be published alongside the proposed submission plan (Regulation 19).
Floor plan of a residential layout showing two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, storage area, and lobby. The kitchen includes cooking appliances and countertops. Windows are positioned to provide natural surveillance, with one window in each bedroom and in the living room. Doors lead into each bedroom, bathroom, storage, and lobby. Annotations specify considerations for privacy, security, functionality, and surveillance.

Example semi-detached amenity block (GIA 27.5sqm)[43] 

Two mirrored apartment layouts with central walls, each featuring a living room, kitchen/dining area, bathroom, and storage. Bedrooms are located adjacent to living rooms; kitchens have appliances and countertops. Windows are on outer walls. Labels specify accessibility and storage recommendations.

Example semi-detached amenity block (GIA 35.4sqm)[44]

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Figure 2: Examples of dayrooms / amenity blocks

Question 11: To what extent do you agree with the proposed policy for dayrooms and amenity blocks? Please provide comments to support your answer.

[43] https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/gypsy%20and%20traveller%20site%20design%20guide.pdf

[44] https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/gypsy%20and%20traveller%20site%20design%20guide.pdf
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