Residents in the small Surrey hamlet of Shipley Bridge have expressed anger and frustration after multiple traveller sites were established near their homes, with some claiming their property values have plummeted. Locals report feeling 'outnumbered' and 'besieged' as over 70 caravans have arrived, occupying at least 10 pitches and a stretch of country lane.
One resident, Phil Cater, said he paid nearly £1 million for his home in 2022, attracted by the surrounding woodland. However, within six weeks, travellers arrived with heavy machinery, felling protected trees and laying concrete without planning permission. He estimates his property has lost around a quarter of its value. Other residents report verbal abuse and threatening signs reading 'Enter this site at your own risk'.
Tandridge Council has served 13 enforcement notices and obtained three High Court injunctions over the past 19 months, but residents say the illegal sites continue to expand. A council spokesman acknowledged that enforcement cases are complex and can take time, which may not meet residents' expectations.
The situation has been exacerbated by a December 2024 planning policy from Angela Rayner, which requires councils to release green belt land for traveller pitches if there is an 'unmet need'. Once concrete is laid without permission, costly legal processes often follow, and in many cases, travellers are allowed to stay.
