‘Squatter camp’ of caravans has descended on our stunning beach leaving rubbish – only option is to price them out
SEASIDE locals have slammed a row of caravan dwellers who claim they are destroying their beach with mounds of rubbish.
Residents living on the Isle of Sheppey have demanded that new parking charges are introduced to stop it being overrun by a ‘squatter camp’.
According to disgruntled beachgoers Caravan owners are setting up camp at Shingle Bank for months and turning the beauty spot into an eyesore.
However, many campervan owners argue they don’t deserve the blame, and that other beach-goers leave more rubbish.
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 public consultation next year after the details are hashed out by the community and leisure committee at the start of next year.
There are currently no charges for motorists to park at the site but vehicles are not allowed to stay overnight – though many allegedly flaunt this rule.
Residents living near the beach say the number of caravans staying for long periods has increased in recent months.
One local, Tracie Jackson, pointed to the previously free Ship on Shore car park less than 500 metres away, which introduced parking charges in March.
The fees were brought in following a revamp and aimed to stop illegal vehicle dumping and people living on the site.
Tracie believes those caravans have simply moved to the Shingle Bank and feels owners ‘should have to pay’.
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 is said to have even put off some visitors going to the beach.
Former Islander Phil Drew, who now lives in Sittingbourne, has been visiting the scenic spot for 17 years in his campervan, but says the beach is now being ‘abused’.
“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,” he said.
“We always take any rubbish home and often pick up other people’s beer bottles and rubbish if we see any.
UK caravan laws you should be aware of
Do you need a special licence to tow a caravan?
No special licence is required, but the load you can tow varies based on when you passed your driving test. Check specific guidelines for details.
Can you park a caravan on the road?
Yes, but it must not cause obstruction or be parked dangerously. Ensure it is lit at night and parked with the nearside facing the pavement.
Can I store a caravan in my garden or on my property?
Yes, if it meets the UK definition of a touring caravan. Check local regulations and ensure it doesn’t obstruct neighbours or traffic.
Can I live in my caravan in my back garden?
Not as a self-sufficient home. It can be an extension of the main house but requires planning permission for full-time dwelling use.
Is planning permission required to store caravans?
Not in your garden or driveway, but it may be needed for other parts of your property or on farmland. Temporary dwelling use requires planning permission.
Can passengers ride in a caravan when it’s being towed?
No, this is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Is there a maximum length for towed caravans?
Yes, seven meters excluding the A-frame for vehicles up to 3,500kg
“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.”
Councillor Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council and is a member of Minster Parish Council, welcomed the consultation on parking charges on the beach.
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, Berks., 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.
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.”
Another campervan owner, Jim Smart, who has lived on the Island for 36 years and regularly visits the beach, complained that there have ‘never been so many’ caravans parked up on the bank for long periods, but feels most do look after the area.
Mr Smart 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’.
“Of course, you do get some bad apples who live up here,” the 67-year-old said.
“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.”