DCLG to consult on removing restrictions on use of temporary stop notices

Further details have emerged on the Communities Secretary’s plans to give councils more power to stop unauthorised traveller sites.

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government, the proposals will hand councils greater freedom to choose when to use 'temporary stop notices' in relation to caravans which are used as main residences and are in breach of planning control.

These notices enable councils to take immediate action against unauthorised development without having to wait three days for a stop notice, or 28 days for an enforcement notice to come into effect.

The DCLG said: “Under the current system councils are constrained as to when they can use these powers against caravans which are main residences. A small minority have sought to abuse the planning system, and the Government believes that this proposal will assist local councils in taking effective action.

“It is the Government's view that local councils are best placed to judge whether to use a temporary stop notice in relation to caravans, and should not be constrained by blanket rules.”

The DCLG added: “This would provide a strong deterrent, and any person guilty of this offence is liable to a fine of up to £20,000, which can be increased to an unlimited fine, on conviction on indictment in the Crown Court.”

A consultation will have to be held on the proposals to remove the restrictions on the use of temporary stop notices.

At this week's Conservative Party Conference, Eric Pickles vowed to "literally stop those caravans in their tracks".