Gypsy and Traveller Pitch Allocation Policy 2026
We are proposing changes to our policy for how pitches are allocated on Kent County Council (KCC) owned and managed Gypsy and Traveller sites.
The Pitch Allocation Policy sets out how we allocate pitches when they become available and how we decide who is most in need. It is essential to the good management of our sites and helps make sure they provide a safe environment for Gypsy and Traveller communities.
KCC owns and manages seven sites designated for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation:
| Site | Address |
|---|---|
| Aylesham Caravan Park | Dover CT15 4LS |
| Barnfield Park Caravan Park | Sevenoaks, TN15 7LY |
| Coldharbour Caravan Site | Aylesford, ME20 7NZ |
| Greenbridge Park | Canterbury, CT1 1YZ |
| Polhill Caravan Site | Sevenoaks, TN14 7BG |
| Three Lakes Caravan Site | Sittingbourne, ME10 3NL |
| Windmill Lane Caravan Park | West Malling, ME19 6PQ |
Who is impacted by this consultation?
The Pitch Allocation Policy only impacts future people applying to live on KCC owned sites. The changes being proposed would not impact current site residents unless they are applying to transfer between KCC sites or are a young person who currently lives on one of our sites with a parent or guardian and wishes to apply for their own plot when they reach 18 years old.
These proposals relate only to the seven Gypsy and Traveller sites operated directly by KCC. They do not apply to the eight sites run by the District and Borough Councils in Kent.
What are you proposing to change?
The main changes being proposed are:
- updates to make the Policy clearer and more like the ‘bricks and mortar’ housing allocation policies operated by District and Borough Councils in Kent
- how we handle applications, what documents applicants must provide, and how they are placed on the waiting list
- updated application form asking the right questions to support the revised Policy.
More information on the proposed changes is available in the Consultation Document, along with the new draft Pitch Allocation Policy and Application Form. We recommend you read the Consultation Document before responding to the consultation.
A copy of the Consultation Document and Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) can be found in the 'Documents' section.
We have also made two videos explaining the consultation process and summarising the proposals. Click on the video images to watch.
If you need any support to take part in this consultation, please do get in touch (see contact information under 'Who's listening' section).
How can I give my views?
We want to know what you think about the draft Policy and the documents that go with it. Your views are important to us.
We would particularly like your views on the:
- proposed exclusions (who cannot apply for a pitch)
- supporting information we ask for in the application.
There are a number of ways you can take part in this consultation:
- complete the online questionnaire available on this webpage
- attend one of our in-person drop-in events, details can be found in the 'Face to face events' section
- complete a paper copy of our questionnaire and return it by post
- call us at 03000 42 15 67 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- write to us via our email or postal address (contact details in the 'Who's listening' section on this webpage).
What happens after the consultation?
Following the end of the consultation, all of the responses will be analysed and considered and a consultation report will be produced, summarising the feedback we have received.
This feedback will be used to help finalise the Pitch Allocation Policy, supporting documents and EqIA. These documents, along with the consultation report, are expected to be presented to the Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee in May 2026 before any decisions are taken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services.
The consultation report and details of the decision will be published on this webpage.
