Brighton traveller site plan is dropped by council

Plans to build a permanent travellers' site to the east of Brighton have been dropped by a local authority.

Brighton and Hove City Council said tests at the site in Sheepcote Valley had found the land to be contaminated.

The council said the clean-up cost would be too expensive and it was now looking for an alternative site.

Residents opposed to the proposals claimed the area was important for wildlife and dog walkers and should be left untouched.

A council spokesman said: "Following a consultation with residents on the site, further detailed tests were carried out of the land.

"Inspectors found that the former landfill site was not suitable because of the level of contamination and the clean up costs."