Fears for green belt land as Gypsies plan expansion - Kent

From the Tonbridge Courier

RESIDENTS and councillors have raised fears green belt land could be lost to a growing Gypsy site if an application for caravans in Hadlow is approved.

A cluster of four mobile homes and caravans already lies in Springfield Place, a small site behind The Harrow pub in Cemetery Lane.

Now planning permission is being sought for a mobile home and a touring caravan to permanently stay on land further up the road at Little Gobland Farm.

But the applicant, Terry Wilson, has already met with opposition from Hadlow Parish Council which said the development would encroach on Green Belt land.

Mr Wilson wants to change use of the agricultural land, which has already been mown, for the stationing of one mobile home and one touring caravan to allow the family to "return to their roots."

However, residents were keen to avoid an influx of Travellers.

Sonny Stoneley, of Sonny's Butchers, said: "As long as it's kept in check and there aren't any more than half a dozen caravans then I don't have any problems at all. At least they're going the right way about it and it's legal.

"The Wilsons are a very friendly family, they've lived in the village for years.

"But we don't want anything like what happened in Essex (with Dale Farm). There were hundreds of them (caravans) there."

Another neighbour, whom the Courier agreed not to name, said: "I remember when it used to just be a field there. It starts off small but it could expand.

"Why should they be allowed to live on green belt land if someone who wants to build a house there gets turned down?"

The Wilson family, who have lived in the village for more than 50 years, argued there was not enough land available for Travellers to live on.

The application stated: "We are aware that the site lies within the green belt. However, within the borough, it is important to note over 80 per cent of all land is designated as green belt.

"We are of the view therefore, that there is little land within the borough that could be classed as outside the green belt and be suitable for gypsy accommodation.

"A search of local authority sites indicates there are currently no available pitches and there appears to be little likelihood of one becoming available in the near future."

Mr Wilson's partner has had to live in a council home while the family await the planning decision, which goes against the Gypsy way of life.

The application adds: "It is essential they find a site locally that would enable them to carry out their Gypsy way of life and yet be within arm's reach of family members if they need them."

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council will decide whether to grant permission for the development by July 26.