A couple who purchased a country estate for £3.15 million is suing the former owners, alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit concerning the development of a traveller site on adjacent land. Jamie and Eda Pierce claim that Paul and Elizabeth Nott, the previous owners, deliberately concealed information about potential development on the neighboring property to facilitate the sale.
The Pierces completed the purchase of the five-bedroom property in Pootings, Kent, in August 2022. The estate included seven acres of grounds, a swimming pool, tennis court, paddocks, and stables. Shortly after their purchase, a group of travellers established an illegal camp on a six-acre agricultural site directly opposite their home, according to the lawsuit.
The travellers' arrival, which occurred on a Friday afternoon just before a bank holiday weekend in August 2025, involved the rapid conversion of the field. Ancient hedgerows were removed, a new entrance and driveway were constructed, and tarmac was laid. Within hours, electricity, water pipes, septic tanks, and fencing were installed, transforming the site into a caravan park for four families, including 16 children.
According to court documents, the Pierces had specifically inquired about any plans to alter or develop neighboring land within a quarter-mile radius. They allege that the Notts' solicitor responded that such plans were not known to their clients. However, the Pierces claim to have uncovered emails indicating that Paul Nott was aware of and involved in efforts to prevent the land's development for traveller use since 2021.
These documents suggest that Mr. Nott and another local resident attempted to purchase the land themselves in September 2021 to prevent unwanted development. Their offer was reportedly rejected, and the land was sold in October 2021 to Patrick Delaney, who is said to have connections to the traveller community. Mr. Delaney allegedly refused to provide assurances against its use for traveller homes.
Further emails indicate Mr. Nott's involvement in forming a residents' association to address planning issues and a Mr. Delaney. He was reportedly a founder member of the Pootings Residents' Association, established to oppose the development. The lawsuit asserts that the Pierces would not have purchased the property had they known the truth about the adjacent land.
The Pierces are seeking to have the sale contract rescinded and to be reimbursed for the £3.15 million purchase price, along with sums spent on the property, damages for deceit, interest, legal fees, and stamp duty. They claim their home, now fortified with security cameras and high gates, has become worthless.
The Notts, who have since moved to a different property, have not yet filed a response to the writ. The traveller encampment has reportedly led to significant disruption for local residents, including persistent noise, intrusive floodlighting, and a substantial increase in the local population density. Multiple legal actions have followed, and a retrospective planning application for the site was rejected by Sevenoaks District Council.