A controversial proposal for additional caravans at a gypsy site in Upchurch has been approved.

Swale council’s planning committee agreed to vary conditions of an application for Orchard Park, Oak Lane, at a meeting on Thursday night.

The new agreement means the number of caravans allowed at the site can increase from 22 to 32.
A total of 38 objections were raised when the issue went to public consultation.

Speaking at last week’s meeting, Cllr John Wright (Con), in opposing the application, voiced his concerns about the additional caravans’ “accumulative effect” on the community’s schools and health services.

The representative for Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch ward was also sceptical about the land’s geography, saying: “The site is far away from the local community.
“It would be wonderful if the gypsy and traveller community opened its doors and came into the village to make themselves known.”

The new agreement means no more than 16 static or mobile vans will be permitted at the site, with the other half being touring caravans.

The proposal did not seek expansion onto any neighbouring plots of land.

It is divided into eight pitches surrounded by a laurel hedge and low post and rail fence and features a hardstanding for caravans and vehicles and an area of lawn.

At the meeting, a representative of the gypsy and traveller community said there were 45 letters in support of the application.

He said of the objections, none were relevant “in planning terms” and added: “It’s about time in this area we accept the development and liaise with the council for the best of all.”

Following the latest application’s approval, it will bring the total number of gypsy and traveller caravans in Upchurch to 60.

Although he admitted he had never seen the Orchard Park site, Cllr Wright said the accumulative effect of such developments could “change the very fabric of Upchurch and the surrounding areas.”