East Hampshire Council wins High Court injunction preventing travellers from building on field near Medstead without planning permission
A Hampshire council has secured an injunction to stop travellers from further developing a field
A Hampshire council has won a court order to stop more travellers from moving on to a site.
On Friday, May 22 caravans moved on to a field in the East Hampshire council area. Hard-standing and septic tanks were installed, and a few days later, after issuing a temporary stop notice and taking legal advice, the council took the case to the high court in London.
On Friday an interim injunction was granted, which stops further development on the land, and also bars more people from moving in. Those who are already on the land can remain.
Cllr Angela Glass, the council’s portfolio holder for enforcement and regulation, said: “This was a clear case of unauthorised development and we have acted quickly and to the full extent of our powers to stop the work and prevent further damage to the site.
“We have already issued a temporary stop notice and now have served a High Court injunction. This means that no more work can be carried out on site and that no more people can move on to it.
“We understand that local residents want instant results when faced with a situation like this and we have acted swiftly within the limitations of the law. The court order does not mean that the current occupants can be forced off the land or that the land must be returned to its former condition.
“We must also consider a planning application that has been submitted on the site, and we must do that fairly and without prejudice. We will be sure to keep residents updated while we work through these legal processes. What we really need is legislative support from government to enable us to be more proactive, when speed is of the essence.”
Copies of the injunction were delivered to the site on Friday evening and came into effect on Monday.
A further hearing is due to take place at the High Court at the end of June. Before then, officers from the Planning Enforcement Team will continue to monitor the site and carry out further investigation.
The planning application is for six Gypsy and Traveller pitches together with the formation of hard standing, and the erection of six day rooms. The application has been made by Billy Smith. It has been validated and is under assessment by the council. It was received on May 6 and validated on May 29. To find out more about the application see here.