Plans have been submitted to turn a section of green belt land into a traveller site.
An application has been sent to Sevenoaks council to allow the standing of six residential static caravans on land at 7 Ship Lane, Swanley.
Plans have been submitted to turn a section of green belt land in Swanley into a Traveller site. Picture: Google Maps
The proposal also mentions the storage of eight touring caravans and ancillary works.
Applicants Mr and Ms Moorhouse say the site, either on a permanent or temporary basis, would provide “much needed” accommodation for a local traveller family.
They added that, although the site is within the greenbelt, it would have a “very limited effect on openness and very special circumstances exist”.
The application states the site is serviced with water, electricity and sewage services and avoids “environmentally sensitive” areas.
It is claimed the potential site would have “very limited effect on the character and appearance of the area”.
There is also already existing access from the site to Church Road.
“The constant flow of caravans on and off the site is disturbing and unsettling for the local residents…”
However, several objections have been raised following the plans, with one neighbour saying it would be “blatant destruction” of green belt land.
There is currently one static home at the site, according to residents, however they say several more caravans frequent the area on a regular basis.
Another neighbour added: “I believe there are currently the necessary quota of Traveller sites in the area – this site is not needed to fulfil any local requirements.
“The constant flow of caravans on and off the site is disturbing and unsettling for the local residents.
“The barking of dogs, burning materials at all hours, not disposing of their rubbish; encouraging rats and swarms of flies.”
One person who lives nearby says the application’s statements on waste management are “vague” and “do not sufficiently address the potential impact of increased waste and littering”.
The proposed site is behind a number of homes in Ship Lane, Swanley. Picture: Google Maps
They explained: “There have been several occasions over the past few months where unbagged rubbish has been put into the bins of the Ship Lane residents after the refuse collection has been, which is unpleasant for us to have to empty.
“Past experiences have shown that improperly managed rubbish at similar sites can lead to significant environmental issues, including rat infestations and pest problems in nearby properties.
“The gardens of the nearby properties have suffered from increased rat activity as a result of improper waste handling in nearby areas.”
They also raised concerns about there being a sense of “unease” and conflict among residents if plans were approved.
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Several opponents claim there are inaccuracies and false statements within the application.
One said: “I urge the council to carefully scrutinize every claim in the application, as assumptions about infrastructure capacity, waste management plans, and environmental impact appear to lack supporting evidence and seem overly optimistic given the realities of the area.”
A decision is set to be made on Friday, December 27.