UK Council Blames Court Delays for Inability to Evict Travelers from Concreted Field

Uttlesford District Council has been criticized for its delayed response to enforcing a High Court injunction against travelers occupying a field in Willows Green, Essex. The council is attributing the lack of action to delays in receiving official court documents, despite the injunction being made permanent over three months ago.

Villagers voiced their concerns at an emergency council meeting, criticizing the authority's perceived inaction regarding the 12-pitch development. The site was occupied by approximately 30 vehicles and workers over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Council officials did not issue a temporary stop notice until four days later, and an interim High Court injunction was obtained on May 7, with the injunction made permanent by Mr. Justice Sweeting on June 18.

During the council meeting, it was suggested that the judge had inquired if the council wished to pursue enforcement proceedings, a step the council reportedly declined. However, John Evans, Cabinet Member for Planning, stated that the council has not yet received the sealed order, the written judgment, or an approved transcript from the June 18 hearing. He explained that these formal documents are crucial for determining the exact terms of the court's decision and for assessing further enforcement actions, including potential contempt of court applications.

The meeting was called following a protest on September 3, after residents observed a similar unauthorized development being swiftly halted by East Herts Council in Sawbridgeworth during the August Bank Holiday. In that instance, authorities acted quickly through court and police action to prevent the establishment of the site.

Residents attending the Uttlesford meeting reported alleged threats and intimidation from travelers, including vehicles being driven towards them, for speaking out against the development. It was also claimed that council planning officers felt intimidated by travelers who visited the council offices.

The council was alerted on April 15 to plans for material to be delivered to the land over the bank holiday, and received a further warning by email on April 30. A Land Registry search indicated the land was owned by a property company, which had purchased it for £125,000 a year prior. Despite the company's links to other unauthorized traveler site developments, Mr. Evans stated there was insufficient evidence to apply for an injunction before the development began. The council also acknowledged it has no out-of-hours emergency cover for planning enforcement matters.

In a statement issued previously, representatives for the residents of the traveler site said, "There is currently a valid planning application under review and we believe the proper planning process should be allowed to take its course." They emphasized the need to protect the privacy and safety of their families and children while a legitimate planning application is considered.

In response to the events at Willows Green, the Uttlesford District Council has commissioned a review of its planning enforcement processes. The council's planning enforcement policy had been updated weeks before the unauthorized development, but it did not include specific provisions for dealing with illegal traveler sites.