Homeowners in the Surrey village of Alfold say an unauthorised traveller development has turned what was once a peaceful community into a source of constant disruption, with some residents claiming the situation has severely affected property values and made it difficult to sell their homes.
The dispute began in early April after travellers established a residential site on nearby land without planning permission.
Since then, residents have reported months of noise, anxiety, and uncertainty while legal proceedings continue.
Homeowners Report Stalled Property Sales
Several residents attempting to move away say the ongoing planning dispute has discouraged prospective buyers.
One homeowner described the experience as emotionally and financially devastating, explaining that her property has attracted only a single viewing in three months despite being placed on the market as soon as rumours emerged about the planned occupation of the nearby field.
She said neighbouring homeowners have also lowered their asking prices in an effort to secure buyers, adding that years of hard work and savings now appear to have been undermined by circumstances beyond their control.
Among the affected properties is a three-bedroom barn conversion listed for approximately £600,000. Estate agents describe the home as spacious and well presented, but it sits close to the disputed site.
Rapid Development Changed the Landscape
Residents say the transformation of the rural field happened with remarkable speed.
After unfamiliar individuals were reportedly seen surveying local roads on April 1, dozens of heavy vehicles arrived the following day carrying construction materials including aggregate, steel, timber and pipes.
Working continuously through the Easter bank holiday weekend, crews converted the land into what residents describe as a 17-plot residential site containing 21 caravans and five static homes.
Many villagers said they were shocked by how quickly the development was completed before authorities could halt the work.
Complaints Include Noise and Alleged Anti-Social Behaviour
Residents claim daily life has become increasingly difficult since the site was established.
Some allege that traveller children have taken ornaments from outside homes, while adults have shouted abuse at local residents.
Others complain about generators operating throughout the night, construction activity during early morning hours, and the constant movement of ponies and horse-drawn traps.
One homeowner said the continuous generator noise has prevented her from sleeping upstairs, forcing her to move downstairs in search of quieter conditions.
She said uninterrupted nights of sleep have become impossible since the development appeared.
Other villagers described feeling trapped inside their homes, saying they no longer feel comfortable spending time outdoors.
Community Describes Months of Distress
Residents say the ongoing dispute has placed significant emotional strain on the village.
One local described the past three months as “sheer hell,” expressing sympathy for families attempting to sell their homes while uncertainty surrounding the site’s future continues.
Another resident questioned why the situation has remained unresolved despite repeated complaints and enforcement measures.
Peter Foy, who lives in the area, acknowledged the remarkable speed of the construction but said villagers were left deeply frustrated and angered by the scale of the unauthorised development.
Enforcement Action Faces Legal Challenge
Waverley Borough Council has issued an enforcement notice requiring the land to cease being used for residential purposes.
The notice also directs that mobile homes, hardstanding, waste materials and other unauthorised works be removed so the site can be restored.
However, the occupants have appealed the enforcement decision, arguing they should receive retrospective planning permission and that the six-month compliance period is insufficient.
The appeal will be considered during a two-day hearing scheduled for September, with the Planning Inspectorate responsible for determining the outcome.
Council Defends Speed of Its Response
Responding to criticism from residents, Waverley Borough Council said it acted immediately after the unauthorised development began.
According to Councillor Liz Townsend, the authority issued its first Temporary Stop Notice on April 2 and followed it with a second notice the following day, despite the Bank Holiday period.
She said the council also secured an emergency interim High Court injunction to prevent further development and later served a formal enforcement notice requiring the residential use to end and the land to be restored.
Townsend stressed that while residents are understandably frustrated by the length of the process, the timetable is now governed by the independent appeals system, leaving the council without authority to accelerate proceedings.
September Hearing Expected to Determine Next Steps
With legal appeals now underway, residents remain uncertain about when the dispute will be resolved.
For homeowners hoping to move, the outcome of September’s planning hearing could prove critical, as many believe the future of the unauthorised site will directly influence both property values and confidence among prospective buyers.
Summary
Residents of Alfold, Surrey, say an unauthorised traveller site established in April has disrupted daily life, reduced buyer interest in local properties, and caused significant stress.
Waverley Borough Council has taken enforcement action and obtained court orders, but the site’s occupants have appealed.
A Planning Inspectorate hearing scheduled for September will decide whether the development can remain or must be removed.
