An illegal car park operating on farmland near Stansted Airport has more than doubled in size since local authorities issued an enforcement notice ordering its closure last August. The site, located at New Farm in Elsenham, Essex, has expanded from accommodating approximately 500 vehicles to an estimated 1,000 cars.
Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding stated that the site has "dramatically grown in size," expanding both in width and length. He noted that the operation is now encroaching on adjacent land, describing the situation as unacceptable. "Because it hasn’t been made fully illegal yet it appears that they will continue trading," Gooding said, adding that the owners appear to be prioritizing profit over community well-being.
Satellite images from January 2025 show the car park with around 500 vehicles. Subsequent images from May 2026 reveal the expansion, with the site now covering approximately seven acres of former agricultural land. Luxury vehicles, including Audis, Mercedes, and BMWs, have been observed at the location.
Annabel Viola, a lifelong resident of Elsenham living a short distance from the car park, called the situation "outrageous." She believes the owners are exploiting the appeals process to continue trading. "They know they can get a couple of extra months of trading to fill their pockets - it is beggars belief," Viola commented.
An enforcement notice was issued in August 2025, citing a breach of planning control for the unauthorized change of use of the land for parking and storage. The notice stated the car park was detrimental to the area's character and that adequate parking already existed at the airport. Council officers demanded that the land cease being used as a car park and that all vehicles be removed.
Two weeks later, the car park's owner, Aurangzaib Cheema, appealed the decision. Cheema, formerly associated with SC Parking LTD, argued that it was not feasible to restore the land to its original state within the given timeframe and that canceling future bookings would negatively impact his income. While the Planning Inspectorate considers the appeal, the car park remains operational. No hearing date has been set.
Uttlesford District Council acknowledged the local concerns, stating in a joint statement with ward members that the case is complex and involves various agencies. "The council’s planning enforcement powers are limited while the appeal is in progress," the statement read. They assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
Stansted Airport advised passengers to book parking through official channels or reputable comparison sites and suggested reporting any issues to Trading Standards. Essex Trading Standards reported that current complaint levels do not meet their threshold for further enforcement action. A spokesperson for Uttlesford District Council confirmed that the scale of activity is being monitored and will be part of the ongoing appeal case.