New proposals have been submitted to turn a section of greenbelt into a permanent site for travelling showmen.

A planning application to change the use of land at Drudgeon Farm, School Lane, Bean has been received by Dartford council.

Travelling showmen are fairground workers who view themselves as a cultural group separate from the Irish traveller and Romani communities.

There are a number of planning constraints on the site, including the fact the land is designated as green belt.

An application to transform the 6.3 hectares of agricultural land into permanent residential plots for travelling showmen has been turned down on numerous occasions, most recently in January.

The agents, Cunnane Town Planning, made an application to Dartford council in September 2014, for 25 touring caravans and 25 mobile homes, as well as storage and a recreation area.

The revised application has reduced the proposal from 12 permanent plots to just four but other details are as yet unknown.

Numerous concerns have been raised among the letters published on the council’s planning website, including increased traffic on narrow lanes and a threat to local wildlife and public footpaths.

Residents voiced their concerns on social media following the appearance of a public notice close to Bean Primary School.

Paul Bishop, who lives on the adjoining School Lane, said: “The bone of contention locally is this is green belt land. The fact it’s travellers is irrelevant, we just want to ensure the best use of the land.”

On September 6, 12 caravans pitched up overnight at the farm. Within hours roadway had been laid and approximately 900 feet of wooden post and rail fencing had been erected.

A sign was posted outside the site in School Lane stating ‘Showmen’s Winter Quarters’.

Dartford council successfully applied for an injunction at the High Court which stops further structures or vehicles being brought onto the land or any further works taking place.

Gareth Johnson MP said: “There is deep concern locally about the prospect of this planning application being granted.

“I objected to this proposal last time and I am doing so again this time. I know that Dartford council is taking a robust approach to any illegal activity and I fully support this. The law should apply to travellers the same as anybody else.”

People have until October 8 to lodge their support or opposition to the plans. A final decision on the application is due by December 5. Cunnane Town Planning has been contacted.

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