Travellers

From time to time, groups of travellers camp on land in the District with their caravans and vehicles. Often the site chosen for the camp is unsuitable, and the following information is designed to assist landowners and the public if they think that land being used as a travellers camp site is unsuitable.

If the landowner has granted permission for Travellers to camp on land, the land may be used for this purpose for up to 28 days without requiring planning permission. For more details on planning requirements, contact Planning Services.

If permission has not been given, it is the landowner's responsibility to remove trespassers either through the Courts or by exercising a landlords Common Law powers on trespass. Landowners are recommended to seek professional advice before taking any action.

The Police have powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to serve a direction to move on if the Travellers have six or more caravans. The Police will usually require evidence of an increase in crime associated with the presence of the Travellers, before exercising their powers.

If the incursion is onto Council land, the Council will take appropriate action as a landowner. It will, however, take into account Government guidance to local authorities requiring the Council to consider tolerating their presence for short periods and also to enquire whether there are any medical, social or educational reasons why the Council should not move them on.

In certain circumstances, the Council may be able to assist local landowners with the eviction of Travellers.

When Travellers move away, they may leave behind accumulations of rubbish and waste materials and the responsibility for clearing the land rests with the landowner

If the landowner is aware that waste is being deposited on the land, the Environment Agency, as the Waste Regulation Authority, should be contacted for advice on 0845 9333111. The Environment Agency has powers to take enforcement action against persons who deposit controlled waste on land.

Removing illegal encampments and clearing up afterwards can be a time consuming and expensive business and it is in landowner’s interests to take appropriate steps to secure their land against trespassers