District council secures year-long extension to injunction obtained over unauthorised development over bank holiday weekend

The local authority had obtained an interim injunction on 24 May following reports of unauthorised development activity.

The interim injunction expired last week, requiring the council to return to the High Court to seek an extension and update its duration and terms.

South Cambridgeshire said: “When the interim injunction was granted on Sunday 24 May, construction activity on the site was limited to groundworks. When the injunction was served the following day, five caravans were present. There are now 17 caravans on the land. The court has confirmed that all but the initial five caravans present on the land must be removed.”

At a hearing last week Her Honour Judge de Bertodano granted a year-long injunction to prevent any further development, other works or caravans being brought onto the land and to require the removal of all caravans brought on after the interim injunction was served.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The council and in particular our Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Compliance team moved swiftly over the bank holiday weekend to secure an interim injunction and restrict further development.

“Those efforts have continued since, and [this] hearing reflects our determination to maintain that momentum by seeking stronger, longer‑term powers from the Court.

“We will continue to act decisively and in accordance with the Court’s directions to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly and effectively as possible. Planning rules exist to protect our communities, and it is important everyone follows them, so development takes place fairly and appropriately.”

The council said it would now take steps to ensure that activities on the site comply with the Court’s ruling. “This includes serving the new High Court injunction at the site.”