Travellers behind ‘invasion’ of tiny village caught RENTING OUT caravans for £900 per month

Homeowners in the affluent area say their community has transformed from a peaceful village into a caravan park – which is only growing in size.

Several of the pitches were established without planning permission, though some have since received retrospective approval due to a “national shortage of traveller accommodation”.

Residents allege the planning framework intended to house travellers is being exploited for profit, while their own properties have plummeted in value.

Some say many occupants at the sites are not travellers and are not allowed to live there.

Facebook posts advertising the Shipley Bridge properties highlight “lovely walks, log cabins and open plan living and kitchen areas”.

One owner quoted £900 per month for a single-bedroom cabin in a social media exchange subsequently reported to Tandridge Council.

A survey on the council’s website acknowledges problems with non-travellers at the sites.

Regarding a pitch called The Oaks on Green Lane, official documents state: “The site is advertising as a ‘glamping’ site and renting out numerous caravans without permission.”

One resident, speaking anonymously, told the Mail: “It feels like Shipley Bridge has been hijacked.”

Phil Cater purchased his home near Gatwick Airport for almost £1million in 2022 – and believes its worth has fallen by at least £250,000.

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He said: “We moved in in February 2022 and within six weeks the travellers turned up next door with heavy machinery and pulled down all the trees, mowed down all the shrubs and killed all the wildlife.”

Mr Cater described the construction as resembling “a military operation” with trucks laying hardcore approximately one metre deep.

He claims he was assaulted when questioning whether the newcomers had planning permission.

He said: “Another threw a running chainsaw at me. The kids have thrown stones at the house.”

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One anonymous resident described feeling trapped in an unsellable property.

They said: “We are fearful when we drive down our lane. We are trapped in our home which no one will buy.”

Tandridge Council confirmed it has taken multiple enforcement actions including planning contravention notices, breach of condition notices, injunctions through the High Court and criminal prosecutions.

A council spokesman said investigations are still ongoing and stressed legal processes take considerable time.

Surrey Police said it received four complaints of anti-social behaviour and six harassment or public order incidents on Green Lane in 2025.