Residents in ‘Quiet Village’ Stunned by Grass Verge Sale Ad

People in a village called Chartham were very surprised. They saw an odd ad online that offered to sell grass next to their houses, suggesting it was great for travelers. This made many villagers confused and worried.

The ad, since taken down, mentioned uses like a “portable home” or “forest school”. Some residents called it a “provocative” act. The price was £8,000, leading some to think it was a scare tactic to encourage quick, fear-based purchases.

The Canterbury City Council tried to calm everyone down, stating changing the public land was very unlikely. The ad, found on property websites, had a map and photo, calling the land quiet and suitable for many uses, pending approval.

The ad stated the verges were suitable for homes or allotments and even mentioned the traveling community. Some villagers felt pressured, thinking someone wanted them to buy the land fast.

Residents received letters offering the green verges, causing concern. At a meeting held by Dr. Timothy Clark, it was revealed they learned about the sale through social media.

Dr. Clark said the council didn’t know about the sale and the land is for public use, with rules about its use. Changes would need a big legal challenge, leading to the feeling this was intended to cause panic selling.

The online ad described the verges for auction with a guide price of £8,000. Councillor Mike Sole agreed with Dr. Clark, saying his suggestion seems right.

Councillor Sole said residents were very scared, worrying about what would happen. He thinks the ad could mislead buyers into thinking it has uses it does not actually have.

The land belonged to Growing Estates Ltd. Then, Rubislaw Estates bought it. Rubislaw stayed silent on the issue but told Councillor Sole they will sell all Chartham holdings, adding they have no duty to tell the community.

Residents thought the verges were public land. David Leavesley was surprised by the sale, thinking it belonged to the council, and was shocked to see roadside grass verges being sold off.

Leavesley thinks planning permission is improbable, as he knew of laws protecting open spaces. Parish Councillor Fay Geoghan said the ad used “inflammatory” words, increasing resident’s anxieties accordingly.

She believes the company bought the land to sell the verges. A council spokesperson said changes are unlikely, as the site is protected for residents, resulting in any change request likely failing.

Growing Estates said they maintained the land for twenty years before selling it, and sold parts of it over time. Rubislaw and auctioneers gave no comment.