Managing unauthorised encampments (including Gypsy and Traveller sites)
An unauthorised encampment is when a group of people move on to a piece of land that they do not own and without consent from the landowner. This is a form of trespassing under civil law.
The council has an authorised, fixed site with residential pitches for travellers at Kanes Hill, Botley Road.
If you have seen an unauthorised site, check below to see if it is one we already know about.
Current reports
Unauthorised encampment reported at Weston Parade, Southampton
Update at 10am on 8 May 2025: The unauthorised encampment located at Weston Parade, Weston has been vacated. Southampton City Council have inspected and worked to re-secure and clear the site today. The council would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we worked hard to clear the site in partnership with the police.
Update at 2pm on 7 May 2025: Southampton City Council have issued a ‘direction to leave’ to the occupants of the unauthorised encampment located at Weston Parade. If the occupants fail to leave, Southampton City Council will make an application to the court for the occupants to be evicted. Please report any anti-social behaviour or criminality to the police.
Reporting an encampment
You can report an encampment using our online form:
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself up to five minutes to fill in the form.
We will need to know:
Date and time you first noticed the campsite
Number of caravans or vehicles on the site
Extra details about the location
For more information, you can read our full policy on managing unauthorised campsites.
