Construction work on a wildlife haven in Sawbridgeworth, East Hertfordshire, has been halted after a bank holiday weekend of protests and legal intervention. Hundreds of residents, some of whom camped overnight, gathered as vans and diggers departed the site on Monday morning. Hertfordshire Police were present to ensure compliance with a High Court injunction that stopped further development.
The site, located on Sheering Mill Lane, saw significant work begin on Friday afternoon, including the laying of hardstanding and erection of fences to create five plots. Two caravans were also brought onto the land, which is described as a spot where muntjac deer roam. East Herts Council stated that the work was being carried out without planning permission.
A temporary stop notice issued by the council on Saturday was initially ignored, with work continuing until police were called in. The High Court injunction prohibited activities such as bringing caravans onto the land or occupying it for development, with any breaches potentially leading to arrest. The council confirmed that no arrests were necessary.
Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, Angus Parsad-Wyatt, called the removal of the diggers an 'incredible cross-community effort' and thanked the police and council officers for their swift action over the weekend. Police patrols are to continue in the area.
Josh Dean, Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, expressed his dismay at the "flagrant disregard for the rules and the damage that has been done to our environment." He indicated his intention to raise the matter with the government and in Parliament.
Residents reported that heavy machinery was used to flatten the wetland area, which is a habitat for protected wildlife including bats, newts, and nesting birds. The destruction of the habitat, described by one resident as "total destruction of nature," has caused significant distress to the local community. The area is adjacent to a village lock and is part of the greenbelt land.
This incident follows a pattern of similar events where travellers have reportedly purchased land and begun unauthorized development. In one instance in Irby, Merseyside, construction work commenced on a greenbelt plot without planning permission. Another case in Dinton, Buckinghamshire, involved travellers who had allegedly attempted to charge villagers over £600,000 to leave land they had purchased and occupied.
East Herts Council has advised concerned residents to report any further suspicious activity to the police by calling 101. The council and police are continuing to monitor the site to prevent further unauthorized works.