Plans to construct five static mobile homes to provide 'accommodation as a traveller's site' have been submitted to the council.

The proposal is for land off Lydd Road, in Old Romney, near The Retreat, and have been put forward by the Penfold family, who privately own the plot.

It is the same parcel of land outlined in Folkestone and Hythe District Council's places and policies local plan to become the 'Preferred Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation' in the district.

A consultation on this ended Monday, and a statement which will include the key issues raised and the council's response to them is now being prepared for the planning inspector.

But the separate planning application seeks permission to build five mobile homes, along with an access road and community hall.

The application has received 10 comments, eight in support and two in objection.

One comment, in support, said: "I have known this family for years and I fully support their plans.

"They are a good trustworthy family and they have lived in the Romney Marsh for over 40 years.

"They're very polite and friendly and do their best to help people out, they also have reputable companies in the Romney Marsh.

"This would look lovely when finished, I wish them the best of luck."

New Romney Town Council has stated it has no objections.

'People have their views and no one can change them unfortunately - they’d understand if they knew us personally...' - Mr Penfold

Brenzett Parish Council however put forward a three page letter listing their concerns.

These include the entrance road not being wide enough to allow two cars to pass, no size guidelines for the homes or community hall being included, and potential flooding issues.

Questions were also raised about what the community hall would be used for, and that some work had already started on site.

In response Jesse Penfold called the concerns raised by the parish council 'minor'.

He said: "This place would be well kept and will look good when finished.

"We haven’t done anything illegal on our property, that we have also fully funded.

"My family have lived on the Romney Marsh for over 50 years and we will remain here.

"We have legitimate and reputable businesses and have good relationships with our local community.

"We are a respectful and respected family, we work hard for our living and those that know us support us.

"But those who look at all gypsies and travellers the same seem to dislike what we are doing with our development although my family don’t have a bad reputation and we’re not responsible for other gypsy’s or traveller's actions.

"People have their views and no one can change them unfortunately - they’d understand if they knew us personally, what we are developing won’t affect anybody in any way."

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