Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocations Policy

We are updating our Site Pitch Allocations Policy. Changes are being proposed to ensure that pitches are allocated in a fair, transparent and consistent way.

Kent County Council (KCC) owns and manages seven sites designated for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation:

• Aylesham Caravan Park, Dover CT15 4LS
• Barnfield Park Caravan Park, Sevenoaks, TN15 7LY
• Coldharbour Caravan Site, Aylesford, ME20 7NZ
• Greenbridge Park, Canterbury, CT1 1YZ
• Polhill Caravan Site, Polhill, TN14 7BG
• Three Lakes Caravan Site, Sittingbourne, ME10 3NL
• Windmill Lane Caravan Park, West Malling, ME19 6PQ

The current Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy was last updated in 2012 and it sets out how we will establish an applicants need for a pitch on a site we own, and how vacant plots will be allocated. The current version is published on Kent.gov.uk and is actively used to inform pitch allocation.

The proposed changes will only impact on future people applying to live on KCC owned sites. This will not impact our current site residents unless they have children who are looking to apply for a pitch of their own when they reach 18 years old.

The main changes that are being proposed are:

• requesting supporting documents at application stage
• more robust verification and background checks
• introduction of a deposit for each pitch
• excluding applications from those who set up an unauthorised encampment on KCC land (including highways).

We recommend you read the draft Consultation Document, which includes the draft Pitch Allocations Policy, Application Form and Points Rating Criteria before responding to the consultation.

A copy of the Consultation Document and Equality Impact Assessment can be found in the 'Documents' section.

We have created two videos that provide information about the consultation and proposals, simply click on the video image to watch. We have also produced audio versions of the consultation material if you would prefer to listen to them.

If you need any support to take part in this consultation, please do get in touch (see contact information under 'Who's listening' section).

Have your say

Before the policy is finalised, we want to hear your views and there are a number of ways you can do this:

• by completing our online questionnaire available on this page
• in person at one of our drop-in events, details can be found in the 'Face to face events' section
• by completing a hard copy of our questionnaire and returning it to Gypsy & Traveller Service, 1st Floor, Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX.

Following the end of the consultation, we will produce a consultation report, summarising the feedback we have received. This feedback will be used to help finalise the Policy, which alongside the consultation report will be presented to the Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee before it is agreed and adopted.