Chartham Grass Verge Sale Sparks Traveller Community Concerns

People in a village were surprised by something odd. Roadside grass areas were for sale. These verges were in Chartham, near Canterbury. The sale listing was on Rightmove. Residents didn’t know this was happening.

The listing mentioned possible uses, such as suiting travellers, or other things. This was despite the verges being quite small. Canterbury City Council tried to calm things, stating the verges are public spaces. The council added any building would likely be denied.

Some think the listing was designed to provoke. It hoped locals would buy the land to protect it. The parish council held a special meeting. The council learned about the sale online. They had not received any formal notice.

The land has rules protecting its public use. Changes would need a legal challenge. The Rightmove ad was eventually removed. The ad listed the verges for £8,000 and suggested uses like a “portable home.”

It also mentioned a school or even travellers, noting that this needed permits. One council member felt it was a trick. He believes the seller wanted to stir up local interest. Another councillor agreed it seemed deliberate.

Residents worried about what could happen. People feared the land would be changed. Another councillor thought buyers could be misled, as they might not know the land’s restrictions. He felt ads should not suggest impossible uses.

Growing Estates Ltd once owned the land and sold it to Rubislaw Estates, a Scottish firm. The firm plans to sell all Chartham holdings. They claim no duty to inform locals. Some residents got letters offering them the land.

David Leavesley, a resident, was shocked. He thought the council owned the land and doubted anyone could build there. He knew there were laws protecting open spaces. Fay Geoghan, a local councillor who also lives there, said the ad used “inflammatory language.”

Residents’ fears came from this wording. She thinks the new company wants to sell quickly. A council spokesman said the area is protected. They aim to keep it open for residents. A change in use is unlikely, he added.

Growing Estates managed the land before Rubislaw and maintained most of the area for years. Rubislaw Estates and Future Property Auctions were contacted.