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Gypsies' and Travellers' communities

Permanent Travellers' sites

East Sussex County Council own and manage 4 permanent Travellers' sites

  • Swan Barn Caravan Site, Downash Road, Hailsham, BN27 2RU (9 pitches)
  • Batts Bridge Caravan Site, Batts Bridge Road, Maresfield, Uckfield, TN22 2HN (10 pitches)
  • Polly Arch Caravan Site, Polly Arch, Lynholm Road, Polegate, BN26 6JP (6 pitches)
  • Redlands Lane Caravan Park, Redlands Lane, Salehurst, Robertsbridge, TN32 5NE (8 pitches)

To apply to our waiting list for a pitch at one of our sites, please call 01273 481 340 or email ESCC.TravellerSitesManagement@eastsussex.gov.uk 

Bridie’s Tan Transit Site

This site is a short stay site for Gypsies and Travellers who are passing through East Sussex. The site is located on a trunk road off the A27 just outside of Lewes.

Address (9 pitches):

Southerham Lane,
Lewes
BN8 6DY

  • short stay site (maximum 12 weeks) for those passing through East Sussex
  • if the maximum stay is granted, return is not permitted for 6 months
  • the Council may refuse a licence or admittance to the site if this is believed to be in the best interest of the site and its management
  • only one caravan or campervan per pitch. Each pitch has an electrical hook up point and water supply
  • the rent is £80 per week per pitch, which includes payment for water. Residents will have access to their own shower and toilet block
  • electricity is via a meter. Payment cards are given out and a £5 deposit taken.
  • a key deposit of £10 is required at the start of the stay for the shower block key
  • photographic ID is required on arrival at site and prior to signing a licence

For further information or to book a stay at Bridie’s Tan, please call 01273 481 340

The Gypsies and Travellers team

  • provide expertise to East Sussex County Council on issues relating to Travellers
  • manage four permanent sites and a transit site
  • provide support and information to residents and the community
  • work with other public agencies to resolve issues concerning the Gypsies' and Travellers' Communities
  • Act as a point of liaison with the community supporting with health and educational needs. 
Unauthorised encampments

Contact details

Team main telephone number

Telephone: 01273 481340

Site management

Telephone:

07971 716195

Email: Traveller Sites Management

Liaison and support

Telephone:

07876 036851

Email: Christine Parsons

External information and support

An unauthorised site or encampment is where people set up home on land in a vehicle or caravan without the landowner’s permission. The Travellers' Team do not deal with encampments of tent dwellers or street homeless. However, we will visit any vehicle which is believed to be lived in if reported to us. Initially we will carry out checks on behalf of the landowner.

Our checks

  • Any welfare issues with the occupants.
  • Whether the encampment is obstructing the highway or public rights of way.
  • Community impact including any disruption to local residents or businesses.
  • Concerns raised by members of the public, for example behaviour, impact, planned events for the land.

Follow on liaison with other services

  • We liaise with district and borough council colleagues and police regarding all concerns raised.
  • We liaise with landowners and partner services to decide whether enforcement action is considered appropriate and necessary in the situation.
  • Where appropriate we offer alternative accommodation at our transit site, Bridie’s Tan in Lewes.
  • Where necessary and when requested, we make referrals to support services on behalf of the occupants e.g. housing, health, education, and safeguarding.

To report an unauthorised encampment

Please contact our mainline number during office hours or email anytime. Please include the exact  location, number of vehicles and any additional information you may be aware of.

Telephone: 01273 481340

ESCC.TravellerSitesManagement@eastsussex.gov.uk