Chartham Grass Verges Up for Sale, Sparking Community Concerns

Chartham Grass Verges Up for Sale, Sparking Community Concerns

Residents of Chartham were surprised to find their local grass verges listed for sale online. The advertisement, which has since been removed, suggested the land was suitable for "the travelling community" and could accommodate a "portable home" or "forest school."

The asking price of £8,000 and the wording of the advertisement caused concern among villagers, who feared it was a tactic to pressure them into buying the land. The Canterbury City Council, however, assured residents that any attempt to change the use of the public spaces would likely be rejected.

An urgent meeting was held to address the community's concerns. Dr. Timothy Clark of Chartham Parish Council emphasized that the land was protected open space and any changes would require a significant legal challenge.

Kent County Councillor Mike Sole expressed concerns that the advertisement could mislead potential buyers. He emphasized that it was wrong to advertise land for uses it could not be used for.

The plot was initially owned by Growing Estates Ltd before being sold to Rubislaw Estates, who remained silent on the matter. Local residents were surprised to learn that the verges were not public property.

Local Parish Councillor Fay Geoghan expressed concerns that the "inflammatory" language used in the advertisement had heightened residents' anxieties. She believes the new company purchased the land not to maintain it but to sell it.

A spokesperson for Canterbury City Council stated that any attempt to change the use of the grass verges would likely be rejected as the site is protected open space.

While the future of the Chartham grass verges remains uncertain, the community remains united in their opposition to any development that would alter the character of their neighborhood.