Call for Sites is under way to meet Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation needs
August 21, 2025
Local planning authorities are joining forces for a coordinated call for sites to help identify suitable locations for permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots across their administrative areas.
The authorities – Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Wealden District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority – are running a joint ‘call for sites’ that runs until 5 October.
We’re working together to seek to ensure that the accommodation needs of these communities are met in a fair and sustainable way, in line with national planning policy and local housing strategies.
Landowners, developers, community groups, and members of the public are being invited to put forward potential sites.
All suggested sites will be assessed against a consistent set of criteria to determine their suitability. Even sites as small as a tennis court can be considered.
Each planning authority has a dedicated team member to answer any questions from those considering submitting a site. This support is available throughout the call for sites period.
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the National Park Authority, said: “It’s important to try to address the housing needs of all people within our community. The National Park already has a number of permanent pitches for gypsies and travellers, transit pitches and permanent plots for travelling showpeople. I’m pleased to be working collaboratively with other Local Planning Authorities to meet our legal and moral obligations, not least as the travelling community are a part of the cultural story, and food production, of this National Park.”
Further information, including how to submit a site and contact details for each council, is available on each council’s website: South Downs National Park Authority, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden.
To see FAQs about this consultation please visit this webpage here.