Landowner prosecuted for illegal mobile home
Published
Friday 25 September, 2026
Updated
Friday 25 September, 2026
Swale Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a landowner for failing to remove an illegal mobile home and motor home from land in Sheerness.
On 23 September 2026 at Medway Magistrates' Court, Stephen Dobkin was found guilty of breaching a Planning Enforcement Notice, issued in respect of land adjacent to 241 Leysdown Road.
The council originally issued the Notice in December 2022 after Mr Dobkin, without permission, used the site for residential purposes and added unauthorised fencing and hard surfacing.
Following an unsuccessful appeal by Mr Dobkin in July 2023, the Planning Inspector set a six-month deadline to comply with the Notice. However, the council's planning enforcement team undertook a follow-up inspection and found compliance had not occurred as required, prompting the decision to prosecute.
During the hearing, the Judge highlighted that the long-standing breach had negatively impacted the character of the local area and the community. The Judge dismissed Mr Dobkin’s claims that he had done all he could to comply, describing his efforts as "lacklustre" and his evidence as vague.
The court ordered Mr Dobkin to pay a total of £2,025. This includes a £375 fine, a £150 victim surcharge, and £1,500 in legal costs incurred by Swale Borough Council.
The evening before the court hearing, the owner moved the mobile home and motor home to an adjacent access track just outside the original enforcement area. He has informed the council that he will dismantle and remove both units shortly. If this does not occur, the council intend to launch a new investigation and take further enforcement action to resolve the issue permanently.
Cllr Andy Booth, chairman of the council’s planning committee, said:
“Planning rules exist to protect the character of our borough and apply to everyone.
“We won’t tolerate people ignoring these rules or causing long-term issues for their neighbours.
“Taking someone to court is a last resort, but this result shows we will take firm action when people refuse to comply.”
"We know residents want to see this site cleared completely, and our team will keep a close eye on the location to make sure the owner follows through on his promise to dismantle these vehicles."
