An extended High Court injunction now prevents individuals from continuing development or occupying land in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, following a Bank Holiday weekend 'land grab' incident. The injunction, initially imposed to halt work on land off Sheering Mill Lane, was extended by Mr. Justice Lavender, who also granted the court the power to arrest those who breach its terms.
The case became a focal point after travellers arrived with lorries and began erecting fences and blocking roads at the end of August. Local residents organized patrols and blockades, enabling the local council to pursue legal action. Within 48 hours of the initial community response, the travellers' vehicles and equipment were removed from the site.
Barristers for the local authority argued for the injunction's extension until a full trial, emphasizing its necessity for enforcing planning control. "The evidence of the police is that it is only the power of arrest that has enabled planning control to be enforced in this case," stated Mr. Justice Lavender.
The injunction is directed against "persons unknown carrying out, encouraging and/or facilitating development on, or with an intent to undertake development" on the land, as well as those "occupying or intending to occupy" it. Four additional individuals—Andrew Cash, Mikey Cash, Freda Connors, and Evan McCarthy—were named as defendants, with indications that they are likely from the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community.
Michael Fry, representing the local authority, noted that the case was "extraordinary and vanishingly rare," justifying the continued power of arrest. He indicated that the authority was aware of the potential for development on the land, likely for a residential caravan site, and had observed activities such as vegetation removal, drainage installation, fencing, and the arrival of caravans, mobile homes, and heavy machinery. Fry also acknowledged that the council does not currently have a five-year supply of pitches for travellers but is working to address this shortfall.
Earlier legal attempts to halt the development, including a temporary stop notice and an initial High Court injunction without the power of arrest, were unsuccessful. A second injunction issued on August 30, granting police the power of arrest, is credited with significantly abating the unauthorized work.
No parties appeared in court to contest the extension of the injunction. The court heard that two previously named defendants, Leonard Richards and Darren Glover, deny involvement, with Glover having reportedly sold the land 18 months prior and Richards claiming he still owns it.
Eric Buckmaster of East Hertfordshire District Council welcomed the judgment, stating, "We're pleased with the injunction and that the power of arrest has been retained. That is the key thing."
This situation draws a contrast with a similar incident earlier this year in Willows Green, Essex, where an unauthorized traveller site remained for months. Residents there had questioned why their situation was not resolved as swiftly, with Uttlesford District Council reportedly stating that the travellers were not stopped immediately due to a lack of racism or threats of violence during the incursion. In contrast, councillors argued that the Sawbridgeworth situation involved a risk of potential physical harm and abuse.