Unauthorised Camping
North Wiltshire District Council is currently working with the other Wiltshire Authorities and the Police Authority to produce a draft policy on unauthorised travellers and unauthorised camping.
What to do if you have travellers on your land?
It is the legal responsibility of the landowner to deal with unauthorised campers and to carry out any necessary remediation. You are advised to contact your legal representative.
If you permit unauthorised campers to stay on your land you are in breach of the Caravan Sites Act 1960. You will also require Planning Permission.
Landowners are expected to take reasonable precautions to prevent encampments
If you permit unauthorised campers to stay on your land you are in breach of the Caravan Sites Act 1960. You will also require Planning Permission.
Landowners are expected to take reasonable precautions to prevent encampments
Who do I contact?
The Highways Authority (Wiltshire County Council) if the travellers are on their land e.g. most road sides, byways or school sites.
North Wiltshire District Council will deal with encampments on land owned by them.
If the position of the site is giving rise to a statutory nuisance e.g. odour, bonfires, noise the Environmental Health team will take the appropriate action.
North Wiltshire District Council will deal with encampments on land owned by them.
If the position of the site is giving rise to a statutory nuisance e.g. odour, bonfires, noise the Environmental Health team will take the appropriate action.
How long can unauthorised campers remain on a site?
Before action may be taken by Wiltshire County Council or North Wiltshire District Council social enquiries must be made to ensure that human rights are not affected, e.g. where someone is ill or pregnant. If there is a case to permit a person to stay then this must be allowed. Often we find that the unauthorised campers move before social enquiries are completed.
Generally North Wiltshire District Council operates a policy of tolerance as advised by the government, and will allow an encampment to remain for a couple of weeks, unless they are causing a statutory nuisance.
Generally North Wiltshire District Council operates a policy of tolerance as advised by the government, and will allow an encampment to remain for a couple of weeks, unless they are causing a statutory nuisance.
What powers do the police have?
The Police can direct trespassers to leave if there are more than six vehicles on the land and/or
- Damage has been caused to the land or to property.
- Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour has been used towards the owner or occupier of the land.
Do we provide facilities for unauthorised camping?
We do not provide any sanitation, water or refuse facilities. There are also no transit sites in North Wiltshire.
Do North Wiltshire provide any authorised residential travellers sites?
Please contact the Housing and Social Inclusion team for further information on (01249) 706315
What is the relevant legislation and guidance?
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, available from The Stationery Office DETR and Home Office.
Highways Act 1980.
Managing Unauthorised Camping: A Good Practice Guide’ ISBN 185112 1293.
Circular 18/94 Gypsy Sites Policy and unauthorised camping. Department of the Environment.
Highways Act 1980.
Managing Unauthorised Camping: A Good Practice Guide’ ISBN 185112 1293.
Circular 18/94 Gypsy Sites Policy and unauthorised camping. Department of the Environment.
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