The Conservatives have accused Labour of changing planning rules in a way that could make it easier for travellers to set up unauthorised sites.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has removed two rules that councils previously used when considering applications for traveller sites.
The changes are part of Labour’s wider planning reforms, which are aimed at speeding up housebuilding and allowing more development on parts of the green belt.
Under the old rules, councils could consider the possible environmental damage caused by unauthorised traveller camps. They could also consider whether a proposed site would provide a permanent base and reduce the need for long-distance travelling.
Both requirements have now been removed from the new planning guidance.
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly criticised the changes. He said communities were being forced to deal with illegal activity by a small number of travellers and accused Labour of making it easier for unauthorised sites to be approved.
He also criticised Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, saying councils should have more power to decide what is best for their local communities.
The Conservatives have promised tougher action against unauthorised traveller sites if they return to government. The party has also said it would seek to end what it describes as a system where travellers receive special treatment.
Labour defended its changes, saying the Conservatives had left the planning system in a poor state. A Labour spokesperson said the government had introduced strong protections for the green belt and had also strengthened national planning rules on intentional unauthorised development.
The changes have sparked a fresh political argument over how councils should deal with unauthorised traveller sites and how much control local authorities should have over planning decisions.
