|
Unauthorised Encampments (UEs) are defined by the
Government as "encampments of caravans and/or other vehicles on
land without the landowner or occupier's consent and constituting
trespass".
UEs fall into 2 main categories: those on land owned by local
authorities (highways, schools, public parks and car-parks etc),
and those on privately owned land.
Responsibility
Responsibility for an unauthorised encampment when it is on
local authority land, is led by the relevant council:
- Kent County Council on highways and schools outside the Medway
area, and any other land owned by us.
- Medway Council in Medway.
- The relevant district council on all other local authority land
outside Medway.
On private land, it is the landowner who is primarily
responsible (although we, and the relevant district council will
offer advice and assistance). In all cases, the police are
responsible for crime-related issues.
Situations where people are, or are allowing the parking of
caravans on their own land without planning permission are not
regarded as Unauthorised Encampments, (in that they cannot trespass
on their own land). These cases are known as
"
Unauthorised Developments", and are always dealt with by
enforcement of planning legislation by the local planning authority
within the relevant district council. We are not involved in these
cases.
Reporting Unauthorised Encampments
All UEs should be reported to our Report and Information
Line on 0845 345 0210. This line can also be called for
general advice, to provide us with updates and to seek general
information on our management of specific encampments.
Alternatively, you can report this information by
e-mail.
The Council's Policy on Unauthorised Encampments
There is a protocol for the management of unauthorised
encampments on public land in Kent. All agencies may have different
personnel dealing with Gypsies/Travellers. Nevertheless, Kent
Police, local authorities and other public bodies work closely
together, to ensure that all decisions and actions are consistent
and within the law.
We deal with all Unauthorised Encampments in the same manner no
matter who occupies the caravans, be they Gypsies, Travellers,
builders, those on holiday or whoever.
If an Unauthorised Encampment involves Gypsies/Travellers, it
should be noted that we recognise and accept their right to live a
nomadic way of life and in particular, our obligations under the
Human Rights Act and the Race Relations Amendment Act. All members
of the community, be they Gypsies/Travellers or members of the
settled community, have a responsibility to show understanding and
toleration of others and, above all respect for the law. English
law contains no right to stop on someone else's land without their
consent.
Balanced against that, when dealing with UEs, we aim to ensure
that all Kent residents feel they are part of an inclusive society
with equal access to services and other facilities. we also
recognise that all members of the community have the right to enjoy
a quality of life, that is free of harassment and offensive
behaviour and we are committed to using the law to tackle all forms
of anti-social behaviour.
It is our belief that everyone should be judged by how they
behave, and not by a stereotype or single view that others may have
of them generally. But, whatever the past history and tradition and
however well behaved someone is, encamping on someone's land
without their consent is unlawful.
In using their powers local authorities and the police must
consider the rights and responsibilities of everyone living in
their area.
Unauthorised Encampments in Kent
There are a number of authorised private and council-run caravan
sites in the county. However, the Travelling community can
experience some difficulties finding an authorised place to stop
and may set up an encampment on someone's land, including highway
verges and laybys without consent .
We are continuously looking at long-term solutions, including
the provision of well-placed Transit Sites to where UEs can be
directed.
You will find more information about unauthorised encampments
below in 'Your
Questions'. |