Residents of St Augustine's Estate in Chartham, near Canterbury, have expressed alarm over being compelled to purchase small plots of land adjacent to their homes, fearing they could be acquired by travellers or other buyers for unintended uses. The plots, including roadside verges and patches of grass between houses, are being auctioned by landowner Rubislaw Estates Ltd.
Land Auction Sparks Controversy
Despite being designated as open public spaces intended for residents' benefit, the sites have been marketed as 'potentially suitable' for uses such as portable homes, carbon capture, forest schools, allotments, or even for the travelling community. Future Property Auctions, handling the sale, included this language, which locals have described as 'inflammatory' and designed to pressure residents into buying out of fear.
The issue first emerged in February 2025 when plots across the estate were put up for sale. After a lull, several plots on Beech Avenue reappeared online, set for auction on June 4, 2025. One resident from Little Copse Close admitted she initially resisted but now feels forced to act after nearby plots were fenced off by new owners.
Residents' Concerns
- Loss of open space: Locals worry that buyers might fence off the land, eliminating green areas meant for communal enjoyment.
- Misleading advertising: One resident claimed a buyer purchased a plot hoping to build a summer home, only to discover the land is protected open space.
- Council enforcement doubts: Although Canterbury City Council (CCC) confirmed the plots are protected, residents feel reassurance is insufficient, questioning the council's willingness to enforce regulations.
Mike Sole, a CCC councillor also representing Canterbury South at Kent County Council, emphasised the need for swift enforcement. He urged the council to contact vendors and stop marketing land for purposes that are not permitted. 'It's obviously very worrying for people to see fences go up, trees cut down, when the land should be protected,' he said.
Background on Land Ownership
The St Augustine's estate, built on a former hospital site, was originally owned by Growing Estates Ltd. It was later sold to Rubislaw Estates, a Scottish property development firm, which began selling off parcels almost immediately. Emails from the company to Cllr Sole stated they intend to sell all holdings in Chartham and have no obligation to consult residents. Cllr Sole called the situation a 'scandal', noting that the land should have been placed in a resident-owned management company from the start.
Rob Davies, a CCC spokesman, reiterated that the site is protected open space under local plan policies, making alternative uses unlikely. He assured that the council would investigate any planning breaches.
No guide prices are listed for the upcoming auction, but opening bids start at £1,000. The Daily Mail has approached Rubislaw Estates and Future Property Auctions for comment. This incident follows a pattern of travellers acquiring land in the Home Counties and setting up unauthorised sites, often securing retrospective planning permission due to unmet needs for pitches.
