2026-10-07 11:11:08
A grandfather returned from a routine shopping trip to discover his home had been bulldozed, along with his possessions and the ashes of his late son.
Bob Thwaites, 79, had lived in a caravan beside Broadness Creek on the Swanscombe Peninsula in north Kent for 35 years, having moved there in 1991 after his marriage broke down, and he developed an off-grid lifestyle on the land.
But on May 6 this year, he returned from shopping to find the caravan had been demolished by Land Logical, which had acquired Swanscombe Development LLP, the company that owned the site.
Mr Thwaites is now seeking an interim injunction allowing him to return with a replacement caravan while a wider legal dispute over his rights to the land continues.
His solicitor, Ed John of Keystone Law, told the court the case was about more than a property dispute.
“This case is not just about one man and his home; this case is about the rule of law and human dignity,” he said.
Mr John argued that if developers believed Mr Thwaites had no right to remain, they should have obtained a possession order rather than removing him themselves.
He added: “I was left open-mouthed when I took the call on the 6th of May. I couldn’t believe anyone could do such a thing.”
Mr Thwaites’ legal team argues he may have acquired rights through adverse possession after living on the land for more than 12 years.
During the hearing, David Forsdick, representing Mr Thwaites, described the demolition as “unlawful” and “a trespass against my client”.
He presented aerial images dating from 1999 to 2025 showing the caravan in the same location, along with photographs documenting Mr Thwaites’ life there.
The court heard he had also been given a key to access the site, which his barrister described as a “recognition of his residence”.
However, lawyers for Swanscombe Development argued there was no planning permission or council tax record for the occupation and questioned how frequently Mr Thwaites lived there.
They urged the judge to reject the injunction, citing security and insurance concerns.
Judge Catherine Brown adjourned the application until October 15, when she is expected to give her decision.
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