A two tier planning system

In last week's local newspaper there was a letter from a resident from Upchurch complaining about the number of unauthorised traveller sites in the area.

That letter has highlighted a problem that affects communities across Swale, however, the writer was directing his anger at the wrong people when he criticised Swale Borough Council, which is simply following Government “diversity and equality” planning guidance. That “guidance” calls for “positive action” and tells planners to give minority groups like travellers special treatment in the planning process.

This guidance has resulted in our country having a two tier planning system, with one set of rules for settled people and another for travellers. Anybody who doubts this should consider the case which is causing such controversy in Bobbing.

In December 2007 Swale Borough Council refused permission for development of land opposite the crematorium on the grounds that: “the proposed dwelling would consolidate existing sporadic development in a manner harmful to the character and amenities of this rural area.”

Now planners are recommending approval of an application to develop the very same site on the grounds that the proposal “would not cause unacceptable harm to the amenities of the area.”

The difference between the two planning applications is that the former was for a bungalow submitted by a settled person, whereas the latter is for two caravans and an amenity block, which must be used by, to quote the Swale Borough Council planning paper: “persons of Gypsy status”.

The unauthorised sites in Upchurch further highlight the unfairness of the existing planning system. If the sites had been developed by members of the settled community the local authority would have taken immediate action against the developers, however, because the unauthorised occupants are “travellers” there appears little that Swale Borough Council can do to close down the camps.

It is simply unfair that there is one set of rules for local residents who want to build homes and an entirely different set of rules for travellers who are being given special treatment.

We cannot go on like this, which is why if I am elected at the next General Election one of my priorities will be to press for change so that everybody is treated the same way when planning applications are considered.