A NUMBER of new traveller sites could be built across Sussex.

Unitary, district and borough councils countywide are consulting on the possibility of building permanent traveller sites.

Sites could be established in Lewes, Newhaven, Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Hailsham, Uckfield, Polegate and Crowborough.

This is in addition to the current 17 permanent sites which already exist in Sussex.

Yesterday, The Argus approached every relevant authority in Sussex to ask if they were consulting, or planning to consult, about new traveller sites.

Of the councils who replied, several said they were as part of the Local Development Framework, including Arun and Chichester District Councils.

Brighton and Hove City Council has already launched a consultation, and is considering a number of sites in addition to the current permanent base at Horsdean, Patcham.

It is refusing to reveal where it is looking.

Lewes District Council confirmed it was looking for a new permanent site.

The authority is specifically asking people about the possibility of permanent sites in Denton Corner, off the A259, Newhaven, or in Offham, near Lewes.

A consultation into this is currently ongoing and will close on November 11.

An Adur District Council spokeswoman said the issue will be “subject to a review” in the future.

A Wealden District Council spokesman said the authority had "identified a need" for an additional 32 gypsy and traveller pitches.

A Horsham District Council spokesman said a statement on travellers and potential new sites in the district would be released in November and refused to elaborate.

For more on this story see today's Argus.