Applying for a pitch on a Council site

If you are looking for somewhere to live you can apply for a pitch on a site owned by a local authority or a Registered Social Landlord (RSL).

How to Apply

Fill Out an Application Form: You need to send an application form to your local authority.

• • Find Your Local Authority: Type in your postcode here.
  • How to Submit the Form: You can fill it out by hand and post it, or fill it out online and email it.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has a list of Gypsy and Traveller sites. You can find this list in a spreadsheet here.

• • • Search by County: You can search for sites in specific counties to see both permanent and transit sites in your area.

Waiting Lists

• Availability: Local authorities are no longer required by law to provide sites. This means fewer sites are available and waiting lists can be very long.
• Waiting Time: Depending on your location, you might wait from a few months to many years for a plot. Generally, waiting lists are longer in the South of the country than in the North.

For more details, see our report on site provisions within England.

Priority Need

Some factors can make you a higher priority for a pitch:

• Local Connections: You need to prove you have lived or worked in the area for some time, or that you have family members living there.
• Children in School: Having a child in a local school can be considered.
• Medical Conditions: Medical conditions will need evidence from a doctor.

Advice on Buying Land and Planning Permission

If you need advice on buying land and applying for planning permission, please see the advice section on our website.

If you need help finding a site in or outside your area or need help applying for a site and filling in an application form, then please ring the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234777. We will be able to assist in person with filling in a site application by hand, within Sussex, or on the phone, outside of Sussex. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.

Correct as of May 2024.