Unauthorised Encampments and Traveller Sites
This page provides information about existing traveller sites within the Wealden District, the Council's Unauthorised Encampment policy and useful contact information.
Gypsy and Traveller Sites
There are three permanent Traveller sites within the Wealden District that are owned and managed by East Sussex County Council. They are at:
- Maresfield (8 pitches)
- Hailsham (5 pitches with the potential to expand to 8 pitches)
- Polegate (6 pitches)
Further information on these sites can be obtained from the East Sussex Traveller Liaison Officer on 01273 481344.
The official transit site is on the A27 at Southerham just outside Lewes and is also owned by East Sussex County Council. For information about vacancies on this site please contact Lewes District Council on 01273 471600.
Wealden District Council is working with other Borough and District Council's and East Sussex County Council to provide additional sites for Gypsies and Travellers. A strategy between all of these authorities is being developed which is aimed to provide an increase in the number of pitches available to travellers passing through the County. Such proposals include the refurbishment of the Southerham transit and a new transit site in the east or the centre of the County and a commitment to identify emergency stopping places for Travellers.
Use the following external link to go to the East Sussex County Council's Travellers Strategy webpage, where you can download or view the strategy.
Wealden District Council - Unauthorised Encampment Procedure
Wealden District Council has adopted a procedure to deal with unauthorised encampments on land owned by Wealden District Council, land owned by East Sussex County Council, land owned by other public bodies and also privately owned land.
This policy has been prepared using the guidance obtained from central government from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to local authorities on Managing Unauthorised Encampments. (Copies of the guidance can be viewed on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website).
Sussex Police play an important role within this policy and also work to their own Unauthorised Camping Policy which can be viewed on www.sussex.police.uk
Each encampment is taken on a case by case basis and will take into account the sensitivity of the site, the rights of both the Travelling and settled communities and where public bodies take action the welfare issues of Travellers.
To report a traveller encampment contact Wealden District Council on 01323 443379. Site visits are made by a Property Services Officer and the Police as soon as possible, normally within 24 hours.
On receipt of the report we would take information on the location, the number of vehicles, how long they have been there, who owns the land and whether the Police are aware. If the Police are going to take action then Wealden liaises with the Police to carry out welfare checks of the travellers needs.
If the Police are not going to take action then the ownership of the land needs to be ascertained as any possession proceedings are expected to be taken by the landowner.
Private Land
A site visit will be made by an officer of the Property Services team and the Police. If the landowner has given consent then referral will be made to the Head of Planning and Building Control if the encampment longer than 28 days. Where no consent has been given support and advice will be given to the landowner to take their own legal proceedings for possession. Such advice will include contacting either a solicitor or the appropriate County Court.
East Sussex County Council Land
An officer of the Property Services team will visit with the Police then refer to East Sussex County Council for their investigation / possession proceedings as landowners.
Wealden District Council Land
The Head of Corporate Services will be notified and arrange for welfare assessments of the Travellers to be carried out. Investigation / toleration / possession proceedings decisions made according to the individual case.
Public Body, Town and Parish Council Land
An officer of the Property Services will visit with the Police then advise the landowner regarding welfare assessments of traveller needs. Investigation, toleration / possession proceedings made according to the individual case.
Useful contact Points
Report a travellers encampment online - If you would like to report an unauthorised encampment please fill in the on line form.
Friends, Families and Travellers:
Website: www.gypsy-traveller.org
Traveller Education Service:
Telephone: 01273 481000
Sussex Police:
Telephone: 0845 6070 999
East Sussex Traveller Liaison Manager:
Telephone: 01273 481344
Eastbourne County Court:
Telephone: 01323 752518
Lewes County Court:
Telephone: 01273 480400
Tunbridge Wells County Court:
Telephone: 01892 700150
Property Services :
Telephone: 01323 443279
Fax: 01323 443349
Minicom: 01323 443331