MP says he will "strongly oppose" new gypsy and traveller sites in Epsom and Ewell

Epsom does not need any more gypsy and traveller sites, according to its MP, who said he will strongly oppose any plans to develop any new permanent camps in the borough.

Chris Grayling made the strongly-worded admission in an email to constituents yesterday, April 28.

He said: "Epsom and Ewell is a small borough and already has two sites for the traveller community, in Cox Lane and Kiln Lane.

"Whilst there is an identified need for sites in some parts of the country, I am wholly unpersuaded that there is any reason for this borough to have more than two sites.

"The borough has not yet brought forward any detailed plans, and may in the end decide not to do so.

"But I wanted to let you know that I will strongly oppose any new development."

His comments come after an all-party group of councillors was formed earlier this month to discuss potential new sites for gypsy and traveller camps in Epsom and Ewell.

The working group was formed after Epsom Council sparked controversy by not consulting all councillors on the issue earlier this year.

The council announced at the start of the year that it was reviewing where new, permanent sites could be built - something the Government has said it must plan for.

But in February, heated public debate was ignited after one councillor revealed that a portion of Hook Road Arena and areas of scrubland around the smart Manor Park housing development were on the list, while the majority of Epsom’s councillors were unaware of the review altogether.
The council has said that it is required to find 20 new pitches by 2026.

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