Caravans, sheds and cars removed from field in Soberton in South Downs National Park after owner ignores planning rules
The owner of a field had ignored planning rules for years - and now has seen cars, sheds, animals and gas bottles seized
Caravans and unauthorised buildings have been taken away from a field in the middle of a countryside after the owners ignored requests to get rid of them.
No planning permission had been granted for the land, and several warnings and formal notices had been ignored, said the South Downs National Park Authority, which led the three-day operation to dismantle the encampment.
The action saw caravans, mobile homes, sheds, non-agricultural vehicles, fencing, domestic animals and gas bottles removed. All of them were kept on the site unlawfully, and the dispute between the planning authorities and the field’s occupants - who are not from the gypsy or travelling community - has been going for more than decade.
The site was in a large field in Long Road, Soberton, in the Meon Valley. Hampshire, as part of a three-day operation led by the South Downs National Park Authority and Winchester City Council, who work together on planning matters.
The only lawful use of the land, which is divided into plots, is agriculture, the national park authority said. The structures that were put up on the land would require planning permission.
Tim Slaney, director of placemaking for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This has been a lengthy and difficult enforcement case that ultimately left us with no option than to take robust action. We seek to negotiate where possible on enforcement matters, but our warnings and notices were consistently ignored.
“The South Downs National Park is a very special landscape that has been designated for the benefit of the entire nation because of its natural beauty, wildlife and heritage. Without a planning system that everyone adheres to, it could be harmed by any number of illegal developments and would cease to be a special place for people to live, work and enjoy.
“These unlawful activities were significantly harming the landscape and people’s enjoyment of it. I am pleased we’ve been able to work in partnership with Winchester City Council to achieve a successful outcome that will allow the land to recover.”
Cllr Jackie Porter, cabinet member for place and the local plan at Winchester City Council, said: “At Winchester City Council, we are committed protecting our district from harmful unauthorised development, including taking action through the courts when necessary. In this case, I am pleased that Winchester City Council has played its part in this joint effort to protect the treasured landscape of the South Downs National Park.
“As a result, we have achieved a successful resolution after many years of hard work by officers at both authorities. The land will now have a chance to recuperate and return to its original purpose.”