New housing developments could include space for static homes and caravans if one Kent councillor gets his way.

Councillor John Wright, who represents rural Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch on Swale Borough Council doesn't think the travelling community should be excluded from living in urban areas but should have access to affordable housing.

Cllr John Wright said: "Why should the travelling community be excluded from living in an urban area, particularly where the local plan is actually supposed to be providing affordable housing for everybody in the local community.

"As with what happens on other legal sites, the gypsy and traveller communities like all other residents, would pay a community charge. So they would be included within the main frame of society.

"If provision isn't provided for them, the cost to the tax payer and local councils will continue and if money is wasted in that way, there is less money to provide other services.

"It's an idea I have put forward to our Local Development Framework Panel, and it will be discussed. If it's an option, it will be put out to public consultation where people can then have their say."

He concluded: "I came across a blog where someone was suggesting there was a site in South Lambeth that had a mixed integrated estate. They said it was working well."