Kent County Council Updates Gypsy and Traveller Sites Pitch Allocation Policy

Kent County Council is consulting the public on proposed changes to how pitches are allocated and managed across its seven Gypsy and Traveller sites. The consultation, which opened on 4 February 2026, aims to update the council’s allocation policy to ensure fairer and more transparent pitch management.

The review has been prompted by changes to the national Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, published in December 2024. This national update expands the planning definition of ‘Gypsies and Travellers’ to include people who have ceased to travel due to age, health or education needs. As a result, local councils must now consider the accommodation needs of this broader group when making planning and allocation decisions.

The revised KCC policy will bring its practices more closely in line with how district councils manage housing allocations, applying the updated criteria to new applicants. Existing residents will not be affected unless they wish to transfer between sites. According to the council, eligibility for pitches will continue to be determined through local allocation criteria and licence agreements, rather than the national policy change creating automatic entitlements to council accommodation.

The consultation includes the Three Lakes Caravan Site in Sittingbourne, which is receiving investment as part of a wider refurbishment programme. In 2023, Kent County Council secured £3.8 million in funding to improve facilities across all seven sites. At Three Lakes, this investment has been used to upgrade utilities and drainage infrastructure.

The council is offering several ways for residents and stakeholders to participate. Members of the public can provide feedback through the Let’s Talk Kent engagement portal, and KCC is running in-person drop-in events where staff from the Gypsy, Romanichal and Traveller (GRT) Resident Service will be available to answer questions and support those needing assistance with the consultation process.

The consultation runs until 30 March 2026. Following this, KCC will analyse all responses and produce a consultation report. The proposals will be presented to the council’s Growth, Environment and Transport committee in May 2026, with a final policy expected to be considered for adoption by summer 2026.

According to the council, implementing better-managed sites with clearer allocation policies is expected to help reduce unauthorised encampments by improving conditions on official pitches.

Key Takeaways

• Kent County Council is updating its pitch allocation policy across seven Gypsy and Traveller sites to align with national policy changes and district council housing practices
• The consultation runs until 30 March 2026, with drop-in events and online engagement available
• National policy changes now require councils to consider accommodation needs for people who have ceased travelling due to age, health, or education

What This Means for Kent Residents

The updated policy aims to create a fairer and more transparent allocation system that reflects contemporary planning requirements. Residents using KCC’s Gypsy and Traveller sites who wish to have their say are encouraged to engage with the consultation through Let’s Talk Kent or attend scheduled drop-in events. Those with questions about how the changes may affect their circumstances should contact the GRT Resident Service for more information.