Unauthorised sites are growing but travellers say they are forced to break the law

The number of unauthorized Gypsy and traveller sites in England is increasing, with many developments happening during Bank Holiday weekends. Since April, sites in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and other areas have been transformed, leading to legal disputes and local discontent. In January, there were 4,950 unauthorized traveller caravans in England, a 73% rise from January 2020 when there were 2,860. The summer count showed a 44% increase between July 2019 and July 2025, from 3,113 to 4,471.

A senior councillor in one affected area claims there has been a loss of control over the planning system. Villagers living near one site described its rapid construction as resembling a military operation. The government asserts that unauthorized development is totally unacceptable and that councils have strong powers to address it. However, Cliff Codona, who founded and chairs the National Travellers' Action Group, argues that the planning system is a significant obstacle for travellers, forcing them to break the law.

When Codona established a caravan site near Elm, Cambridgeshire, in 2020, he did not have planning permission. He recalls pulling down the site on a Friday when he knew the council would be closed, assuming it was acceptable. Codona claims that once they know someone is a Gypsy, a planning application is stopped. After starting work at the site, he and his family submitted a part-retrospective planning application, which was later approved by the planning committee, despite the parish council deeming the location unsustainable.

He admits that putting a Gypsy site there is very naughty, but they have worked hard to be good neighbors.

Codona has been evicted 50 times in his life, describing the experience as horrific and like going through hell and back. He admits they have broken the law but emphasizes that they have done everything to live on the land and obtain permission to stay. Codona, who has Gypsy and travelling showman heritage, explains that travellers have historically acquired land covertly, such as attending auctions with disguises and waiting for properties to become available. Recently, online auctions have proven even more advantageous for travellers.

Codona, who has 14 grandchildren and a great-grandchild, attributes the rise in caravans to a growing Gypsy and traveller population. In July 2019, councils across England counted 23,636 traveller caravans, which increased to 28,659 by July 2025, a 21% rise. However, the number of caravans without planning permission grew much faster.

Last summer, officials in Basildon, Essex, recorded more unauthorized caravans than any other area in England, with a 164% increase between July 2019 and July 2025. In winter 2025, the number was up 14% compared to January 2020.