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Council blames High Court delay for failing to evict travellers
Uttlesford Council admits High Court delay blocked eviction of travellers who built over field in Bank Holiday 'land grab'.
In brief
Uttlesford Council admits High Court delay blocked eviction of travellers who built over field in Bank Holiday 'land grab'. Uttlesford District Council failed to evict travellers who concreted over a field without planning permission due to High Court delay, leaving the site unevicted for four months. Originally…
Council fails to act on planning breach
Uttlesford District Council did not act until four days after May Bank Holiday when it served a temporary stop notice.
High Court injunction obtained
On May 7, Uttlesford District Council obtained an interim High Court injunction before this was made permanent after a full hearing before Mr Justice Sweeting on June 18.
Court documents delayed
The council has not received the sealed order, written judgment, or approved transcript from the High Court three months after the injunction was made permanent.
Councillor explains delay
John Evans, Cabinet Member for Planning, suggested the High Court was to blame for the council's inaction because it has not issued written judgment for the case.
Residents protest council inaction
Up to 60 locals protested outside Uttlesford District Council's offices on Thursday night holding banners voicing concerns about the council's lack of action.
Similar incident in Sawbridgeworth
East Herts Council acted swiftly to stop a similar unauthorised traveller site development after Bank Holiday in Sawbridgeworth.
Council warned of traveller activity
The council received warnings on April 15 and April 30 about travellers trying to secure base material for the site.
Land ownership confirmed
A Land Registry search showed the land was owned by a property company that paid £125,000 for the site a year earlier.
No emergency plan for enforcement
The council has no out-of-hours emergency cover for planning enforcement matters and updated its policy just weeks before the development.
Residents' statement on privacy
Residents said the area inside their gates is private space where their families live and children should feel safe.
Council reviewing enforcement
The council has commissioned officers to review its planning enforcement processes following the Willows Green incident.
Site remains unevicted
The four-acre plot of land has been allowed to remain for four months with travellers concreted over the field.
Planned enforcement action
The council is expected to take further enforcement action once it receives the court documents.
Residents' safety concerns
Residents reported alleged threats and intimidation from travellers for speaking up against the site.
Planning officers intimidated
Planning officers felt intimidated by travellers who turned up at council offices to argue they were being made homeless.
Site development timeline
Workers and around 30 vehicles moved in on the 'beautiful' wildlife haven hours after council officials left for May Bank Holiday.
The essence
Uttlesford District Council failed to evict travellers who concreted over a field without planning permission due to High Court delay, leaving the site unevicted for four months.
