A Growing Crisis in Rural Surrey
Residents of the peaceful Surrey hamlet of Horne are facing a mounting crisis as an influx of unauthorized camps has transformed their tranquil surroundings into a battleground. Locals claim they are being “outnumbered” and “driven out” by a surge of land-grabs, with several illegal camps established without proper planning permission. This situation has led to heightened tensions between the villagers and the groups of travelers who have taken over areas of land, often on a large scale.
The Impact on the Community
The villages of Bones Lane, New Chapel, and Alfold have seen at least six unauthorized camps set up in recent months. Three of these sites are within 300 feet of each other, while others are scattered across nearby areas. Within less than two miles of the hamlet, there are at least 14 camps, creating a significant disruption for the local residents.
Furious villagers are now considering drastic measures, such as barricading roads with tractors to prevent more travelers from arriving. Some residents are even contemplating selling their homes, highlighting the severity of the issue. A local resident expressed concerns about the potential for serious unrest, warning that the situation could escalate into an “ugly incident” with possible fatalities or serious consequences.
The Latest Developments
The newest site was established a few weeks ago when a group of travelers bulldozed their way into a recently purchased field, beginning the transformation of the area. When the Daily Mail visited the location, it was evident that the travelers were setting up an expansive caravan park, tearing up ground and laying tarmac hard-standing with more than a dozen pitches being created.
This ongoing issue has sparked a rebellion among residents, leading to the formation of the Horne Residents’ Association. About 50 locals are now part of this group, which has been actively monitoring the travelers and attempting to have them removed from their illegally-built sites. The association successfully applied for an injunction on the latest travelers, paying for legal advice out of their own pockets.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Struggles
Despite their efforts, the association’s recent attempt to stop the latest arrivals from expanding their caravan empires was adjourned until November. A spokeswoman for the group emphasized that this is just the beginning of a long battle against the systemic abuse of the planning system. She stressed that the issue is not a personal conflict but rather a broader problem affecting communities like theirs.
Catherine Sayer, the leader of Tandridge District Council, warned that the continued construction of unauthorized traveler camps could lead to serious unrest. She mentioned that the issue has caused “unhappiness and friction in the community,” as traveler communities buy greenbelt land and build on it without permission. Sayer admitted that she has spent six out of the last seven weekends dealing with issues related to traveler sites.
The Broader Context
Locals have accused the council of ignoring their concerns for years, feeling that they have no voice in the matter. One resident stated that the council does nothing and that the travelers are taking over parishes that are weak and ineffective. This issue is not isolated to Horne but is a nationwide problem, with many communities struggling to address the challenges posed by unauthorized camps.
Travelers are targeting recently purchased plots of land, rapidly transforming them into caravan sites before authorities can react. They then apply for retrospective planning applications, often failing to follow the rules around building new sites. Cash-strapped councils frequently lack the funds to challenge these land-grabs, allowing the camps to remain.
Rising Tensions and Calls for Solutions
Tensions between travelers and locals are increasing, with reports of residents standing in front of construction lorries to block the bulldozing of greenbelt land for new caravan parks. In Alford, similar incidents have occurred, further straining relations.
A recent incident involved elderly women being approached by men in balaclavas at the Borne Lane camp, leaving them terrified and unwilling to leave their homes. Meanwhile, Friends, Family and Travellers, which represents travelers, claims that councils are not doing enough to provide permanent sites for the UK’s nomadic community, leaving families in limbo.
The council continues to take action, serving temporary stop notices and interim injunctions on sites in the area. However, the situation remains tense, with the community awaiting further developments.
