Plans have been submitted to convert land into more than a dozen permanent homes for travellers.

An application has been sent to Maidstone council to transform land in Coxheath to 14 static caravan pitches.

The land lies to the north of Stockett Lane – off a long access driveway near Blossom Lodge.

Used by traveller families for the past 15 years, the site is currently used for the purpose of touring caravans.

The application planning statement, put forward by agent Martin Potts, says the change would create greater stability for residents should it be approved.

It said: “The site can sometimes house 20-25 touring caravans.

“That can result in an additional 200-250 vehicle movements a day onto Stockett Lane, whilst static caravans will reduce that considerably.

“Static units will provide a more stable environment for traveller families with all amenities close by in Coxheath including shops and schools.”

The land up for discussion has 21 hook-up points for touring caravans, plus a run-down facilities block.

However, it reportedly has all the main services in place required – barring gas.

The application was submitted less than two years after a site involving land at the rear of Blossom Lodge was approved.

Planning permission was granted for ten fixed and permanent residential caravans in December 2021.

Maidstone’s Local Plan Review, submitted by The Planning Inspectorate in July this year, also declared there is a shortfall of up to 600 traveller pitches in the town.

The application adds it would therefore “make sense” to position new pitches in an area which already has established traveller communities.

You can view the application at tinyurl.com/planningkm, searching for the reference 23/503783/FULL.