MORE than 85 pitches and plots need to be found for the travelling community across Tandridge in the next 15 years, a new survey has revealed.
The Travel Accommodation Assessment, carried out by Tandridge District Council, shows an increasing need for more designated space.
The assessment is that 63 new pitches – a piece of land which has one mobile home and a touring caravan – and 26 new plots – pieces of land of unspecified size for travelling showpeople – are needed.
Councillor for Felbridge Ken Harwood said: "I have always had a very strong view of what we, as a council, should be providing for this section of the community.
"I have to say travellers that live in brick and mortar homes, when their children grow up they have to go out and make their own way in the world and we are expected to provide space for them – our own children don't get that kind of treatment."
The survey saw 54 per cent of the travelling community in Tandridge respond, including 29 responses from the 38 occupied plots at The Plantation, in West Park Road, Newchapel – the biggest site for travelling showpeople in the district.
At the moment, 78 families live on site, and the report to the district council's planning policy states many are "residing in overcrowded plots".
The district council's planning policy committee will now use external consultants to try to find more plots and pitches.
