Parking fees could be introduced at a scenic seafront stretch in a bid to stop it being overrun by an “encampment” of campervans.

Overnight charges are being investigated as an option to stop owners setting up for long periods at the Shingle Bank on Sheppey, something residents say is worse than ever.

For almost six months they have been calling for restrictions to be put in place, fearing the visitor hotspot, between Sheerness and Minster, is turning into a “squatter camp”.

Swale council, which runs the Environmental Agency-owned beach, says introducing fees would allow people to “enjoy the beach during the day whilst dissuading overnight use”.

The proposal is expected to go to a public consultation next year, after the details are hashed out by the community and leisure committee in January.

Currently, there are no charges for people to park at the site but vehicles are not allowed to stay overnight.

But neighbours living near the beach told KentOnline say the number of caravans staying for long periods has increased in recent months.

Tracie Jackson, who lives in Marine Parade, pointed to the previously free Ship on Shore car park, less than 500 metres away which introduced charges in March.

The fees were brought in following a revamp, and aimed to stop illegal vehicle dumping and people living on site.

She believes those caravans have simply moved to the Shingle Bank and feels owners “should have to pay”.

Marine Parade resident Pauline, 51, who did not want to give her surname, said: “There are more than there has ever been up there and a lot of them appear to be there for long periods.”

The situation has put off some visitors.

Former Islander and now Sittingbourne resident Phil Drew has been going to the scenic spot for 17 years, but says the beach is now being “abused”.

He said: “I go with friends in our small campers occasionally for a swim, chat and a coffee just for the day and trundle off around sunset.

“We always take any rubbish home and often pick up other people's beer bottles and rubbish if we see any, and most other camper users do the same from what I have seen even though the campervan folk get the blame.

“Unfortunately due to popularity over the last few years, the location is getting abused and is also a meeting point for boy racers so I tend to limit my visits, especially in the warmer weather.”

Cllr Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council and is a member of Minster Parish Council, welcomed the consultation.

She said: “The situation at the Shingle Bank is a problem and we need to review people's views before taking any action.

“We need to make sure that the people living in what has become an encampment, especially those who have hit hard times, receive the support they need during what is still a cost-of-living crisis.

“My overwhelming concern is that a report needs to be done to assess the number of people living there and then ask the public for their thoughts on how we can help solve the issue.”

However, some visitors say they are not put off by the caravans.

Alex and Catherine Freeman from Reading went kitesurfing after parking on the beach.

The couple, aged 53 and 51, had been staying with friends in Essex but travelled to the Island for the north wind.

Optician Catherine said: “We thought it was a bit strange to see so many caravans and campervans up here as it isn’t exactly prime time for an English summer holiday.

“But we parked up here and did not have any problems.”

Jim Smart, who has lived on the Island for 36 years and regularly visits the beach, says there have “never been so many” caravans parked up on the bank for long periods but feels most look after the area.

The 67-year-old lives in Sheerness but drives to the car park in his Fiat Cab to play on his keyboard by the sea and get “away from everything”.

He said: “Of course, you do get some bad apples who live up here but there are also plenty of people who treat the beach with respect by picking up not only their rubbish but other people's as well.

“Because it is free you get all sorts of people using it and it is a community asset for people looking for a cheap day out and this is something we do need to keep.

“There are kitesurfers, people just visiting for the view, fishermen and campervan drivers like myself. That’s part of the beauty of the area.”

Swale council says it will be “working with the local community” to find a way for people to best utilise the “much-loved and well-used” portion of the coast.

A spokesman said: “We want locals and visitors to be able to use the location to access, and enjoy, our beautiful seafront, but we know the larger vehicles who park for long periods can make this difficult.

“The council have trialled several methods to reduce the number of people misusing the space.

“A width restriction was introduced, which allows cars and medium-sized vehicles to enter but stops larger vehicles from gaining access to the site, which has seen a reduction in their numbers.

“Another option that is being investigated is introducing overnight charges, allowing people to enjoy the beach during the day, whilst dissuading overnight use.”