Residents in the South Downs National Park are living in fear of wildfires due to blazes being lit at an illegal encampment that has existed for over a decade. The site, located at Soberton, is described as an eyesore, with drone footage revealing numerous caravans and makeshift huts.
Firefighters have been called to the encampment seven times in recent weeks to extinguish fires lit on the dry land, despite repeated warnings about the risk of wildfires. Nearby residents also report concerns about the thick, acrid smoke from the fires, viewing it as a potential health hazard. Some locals have observed trucks dumping waste at the site, with further fly-tipping reported in the surrounding countryside. One resident stated that fires are lit nightly between midnight and 1 am, with a constant flow of vehicles and people entering and exiting the site.
Enforcement Efforts and Local Frustration
The South Downs National Park Authority and Winchester City Council have taken action against the illegal occupation. In June, authorities evicted residents and removed caravans, mobile homes, sheds, non-agricultural vehicles, fencing, domestic animals, and gas bottles. The land's only lawful use is agriculture. Despite these efforts, the encampment has persisted, leading to frustration among local residents who feel that existing systems are not effectively addressing the situation.
One woman living on the site was previously given a suspended jail sentence for repeatedly breaking planning rules after ignoring an injunction to remove a caravan. This conviction followed eight years of attempts to enforce planning regulations. The South Downs National Park Authority incurred significant costs related to this legal case.
Tim Slaney, Director of Placemaking for the South Downs National Park Authority, described the situation as a lengthy and difficult enforcement case where warnings and notices were consistently ignored. He emphasized the importance of adhering to planning systems to protect the national park's natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage from harm caused by illegal developments. Cllr Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan at Winchester City Council, affirmed the council's commitment to protecting the district from unauthorized development and expressed satisfaction with the joint effort to resolve the long-standing issue, allowing the land to recover.
While the notes mention similar issues in other locations, such as King's Norton nature reserve in Birmingham, the primary focus remains on the ongoing situation and its impact within the South Downs National Park. The unauthorized activities at the Soberton site have been significantly harming the landscape and its enjoyment by the public.