Retrospective planning permission has been granted for a gypsy site in Upchurch. Hursell Farm in Chaffes Lane has been occupied by travellers since 2009.

Despite the site being subject to council enforcement notices due to a breach of planning conditions, a proposal to change the use of land from agriculture to a gypsy site was given the go-ahead.

It will house a family of seven in two static caravans and a touring vehicle, as well as a number of horses.

Speaking at a meeting of Swale planners, chairman Cllr Richard Barnicott, said: “I appreciate the different style of life that the Romani fraternity want to live.

“But I can’t understand why a group of people have to alienate the public as much as they do and put the council’s back up by ignoring the law of the land.

“This is an example of what’s going on in the whole of the gypsy and traveller community.” The application was made on behalf of Lynda Bearup, and was due to be heard last month.

It was temporarily withdrawn to ascertain the gypsy status of Mrs Bearup’s son, who is a teacher and living at the site.

Planing officer Rob Bailey, who recommended the plan for approval, confirmed the family’s Romani background.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Bearup said four generations
of her family would be living at the site.

“I’m Romani gypsy by birth,” she said. “We have a strong work ethic, and my family were the first Romani gypsies in Upchurch.

“I feel very passionate about what I am and what I stand for.”

Four letters of objection were received when the original proposal was drawn up. Upchurch Parish Council also opposed it.

At the meeting, Cllr Gerry Lewin, representative for Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch ward, said: “This is not an isolated site, it sits among many others in the village.

"I remain concerned, as does the village, of the need for another gypsy and traveller site in this location.”