Kent, long celebrated as the Garden of England, is experiencing a significant increase in unauthorised traveller camps, with at least ten new sites appearing in recent months. This surge has led to local concerns about the impact on communities and property values, alongside broader discussions regarding the planning system and potential legislative reforms.
The hamlet of Sandway has become an epicentre for these developments, with five illegal sites emerging in just nine months. Similar patterns are observed across the county, where land is often purchased and then developed without planning permission, followed by retrospective applications. Even when these applications are denied, legal processes to clear the sites can be lengthy and costly, allowing families to occupy or rent out the land for extended periods.
Kent has a historically high population of Gypsy and Irish Travellers, partly due to demand for seasonal agricultural work. Census data indicates a substantial number of residents identify with these groups, with areas like Maidstone, Swale, and Ashford having a high proportion of such residents.
Charities and advocacy groups argue there is an urgent need for official traveller pitches in Kent, stating that families often lack suitable alternatives. However, this perspective is often met with frustration by local residents who witness unauthorised sites appearing near their homes.
Tactics employed by some developers include commencing construction work immediately before bank holidays, when local council staff are unavailable. In Sundridge, a village in Kent's affluent commuter belt, up to 30 lorries reportedly arrived on a field over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with rubble spread to create hardstanding for static caravans before families moved in. Local residents attempted to block access, but one was arrested.
At Hoath, near Canterbury, building work proceeded over a May bank holiday weekend despite Canterbury City Council having previously refused a request to establish a traveller site for three caravans on farmland. Industrial diggers worked through the May bank holiday.
Local councils typically issue stop notices, threatening substantial fines for non-compliance. The next step often involves seeking court injunctions, with the threat of imprisonment for violations. In one case near Sevenoaks, a group of ten travellers were found in contempt of court for continuing work on a caravan site close to Sir Winston Churchill's family home, despite an August injunction. Drainage pipes were added to the site, violating council measures. These individuals could face up to two years in jail.
Political responses have included calls from the Conservative party for legislative changes to ban retrospective planning approval for traveller sites. They have also suggested leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and repealing the Human Rights Act to prevent what they describe as