Council withdraws plans for Gypsy and Traveller site in Copthorne

PR2320/MK/MF - 10/12/2020

Mid Sussex District Council has withdrawn a planning application for a Gypsy and Traveller site at Hollow Copse in Copthorne and will no longer propose development on this site.

The District Council is required by law to meet accommodation needs in the Mid Sussex area, including specific requirements to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers. The Council will now consider new options as part of a review of the District Plan, which is due for independent examination in 2022.

The current adopted District Plan covers the period to 2031 and provides strategic planning guidance on what, where, when and how development will take place in Mid Sussex.

The Government requires local planning authorities to review their Local Plan every five years, to ensure that an up-to-date development plan is in place for each area. As part of the review, Mid Sussex District Council will gather current information on the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in Mid Sussex, and explore the options available to meet those needs.

Councillor Judy Llewellyn-Burke, Deputy Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

“Copthorne residents have provided us with extensive feedback on the proposal to provide a site for Gypsies and Travellers at Hollow Copse through our public consultations and it’s clear that most villagers will welcome our decision not to progress with this scheme.

“The Council is required by law to meet the accommodation needs of everyone in Mid Sussex and we remain committed to ensuring the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople are planned for appropriately as part of the Mid Sussex District Plan. We will carry out a thorough assessment of their needs as part of our District Plan review and update our approach to delivering culturally suitable accommodation.”

ENDS