Plans unveiled for two new traveller sites in the area

Two parcels of land in Polegate and Hailsham are to be developed as sites for Gypsies and travellers.
Green field SUS-181122-120314001Green field SUS-181122-120314001
Green field SUS-181122-120314001

An application has been submitted to Wealden council for 21 pitches on land in Station Road in Hailsham and Polegate’s Lynholm Road to be created and designated after the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment identified the need for an additional 21 pitches within the Wealden district before 2028.

The Station Road site is currently woodland and scrub and the proposal includes 18 pitches, a new access road and a children’s playground.

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In Lynholm Road – where there is already a Gypsy and traveller site – the plan is for three pitches and a small play area.

A Wealden planning spokesperson said, “The Housing Act 2004 placed a duty on local authorities to produce assessments of accommodation need for Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople.

“The Hailsham site is on the edge of a residential area so this will promote an integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.

“The site is of sufficient size to provide several pitches, which would provide a settled base for residents that would in turn reduce the need for long distance travelling and possible environmental damage caused by unauthorised encampments.

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“In Polegate the site is to the rear of residential properties along Lynholm Road and close to an existing Gypsy and traveller site.”

In relation to both sites, the spokesperson said there are health and education facilities to provide access to appropriate health services and enable regular school attendance.

“It would not cause additional pressure on local infrastructure and services as this has been accounted for,” said the spokesperson.

The applications will be considered by planners in the coming weeks.