District council secures High Court orders against illegal encampments at three sites

The local authority said judges had ruled that the developments at Chelsham, Shipley Bridge and Horne were unauthorised.

The courts also awarded costs to the council.

At the Chelsham site, the judge has ordered that the land must be returned to agricultural use and hedging replanted and gates and fencing removed.

Tandridge District Council said: “These outcomes mark a major success for the council. The council’s Enforcement Team will make sure the courts’ orders are followed and the sites are vacated within the legal deadlines.”

The local authority revealed that it is currently pursuing 12 injunctions and “continues to act decisively and promptly to protect Green Belt land, uphold planning law and respond to residents’ concerns”.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Catherine Sayer, said: “We are taking decisive legal action to stop unauthorised development. Council officers have worked tirelessly often under very challenging circumstances to prepare cases, secure High Court injunctions and protect our countryside from unlawful harm. These latest judgments demonstrate our firm and proactive approach is working and we will continue to use every legal power available to us.”