Council calls for “legislative support” in tackling unauthorised development where time of the essence

The comments from Cllr Angela Glass came after East Hampshire served a High Court injunction preventing more people moving on, or more work being carried out to a site in Medstead.

The council said that on 22 May caravans were moved by Travellers onto a field and hard-standing and septic tanks were installed. 

Investigations were carried out by East Hampshire’s Planning Enforcement Team, including a number of site visits. A Temporary Stop Notice was served on 29 May.  

On 5 June the council’s legal team, working with a set of chambers in London, secured an interim injunction from the High Court. 

The interim injunction prohibits further development taking place on the land and more people moving on and occupying the site.

The judge did not seek to remove the people currently occupying the site.  

Cllr Glass 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.”

She added: “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.”

Cllr Glass said residents would be kept updated while the council works through the legal processes.

“What we really need is legislative support from Government to enable us to be more proactive, when speed is of the essence,” she claimed.

A further hearing is due to take place at the High Court at the end of June. 

East Hampshire said a retrospective planning application has been validated and is currently under assessment by the council.