South Downs National Park traveller site approved

The permanent pitches will be next to the existing transit site at Horsdean

Plans for a permanent traveller site in the South Downs National Park, north of Brighton, have been approved.

The park's planning authority has given the go-ahead for 12 new pitches at Horsdean next to an existing site with 21 existing transit spaces.

Brighton and Hove council wants the new pitches to increase provision for travellers and Gypsies visiting the city for the summer.

It said the new site would give greater stability for travelling families.

"We are pleased the national park planning authority has recognised the need for a permanent traveller site in the city," said councillor Pete West.

"Adding 12 new permanent pitches should help to free transit pitches and manage unauthorised encampments and their impact on parks and communities."

Opposition councillors on the Green party-controlled council have disputed whether the new pitches would reduce the numbers of caravans arriving in Stanmer Park and Wild Park in the summer.

The site extension will be funded by a government grant.