Locals say the travellers have been made 'millionaires overnight', adding that the 'treasured green belt land has been transformed into a lucrative asset for those who flouted planning laws'. They have then sought planning permission retrospectively, forcing local authorities to kick them off an area already built over, in frequently lengthy and costly processes. New planning policy announced by Angela Rayner in December 2024 forces councils to release green belt land to travellers if there is an 'unmet need' for pitches. However, residents living close to the traveller pitch in West Malling say the planning process is grossly unfair. 'The occupiers of the site appealed against our refusal and government inspectors granted temporary planning permission to occupy the site in December 2022.

Source: Daily Mail January 05, 2026 13:51 UTC