Injunction granted against illegal travellers' site

An injunction to prevent travellers from setting up home in Philpot Lane, Chobham, has been obtained by Surrey Heath Borough Council.

The injunction was granted on Thursday (September 7) following assistance from Chobham Parish Council and The Environment Agency.

The Borough Council was first alerted to possible incursion activities on the site, known as Field 2825, after the recent Bank Holiday and its Planning Enforcement Team set about interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence immediately.

On Wednesday the Enforcement Team responded to calls from local residents and found tree clearance operations taking place at the site.

Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services and Special Projects Cllr Stewart Stevenson, said: "The Enforcement Team was advised by the person undertaking the tree clearing that earth moving equipment was expected to be brought onto the site on Thursday, so the intent was quite clear."

He continued: "A lot of time and hard work was put in by Officers, especially the legal team, to ensure the evidence was sufficient to get the injunction."

The Borough Council acted quickly and deposited tree trunks around the edge of the land to deter access to it on Wednesday. Injunction notices were put up on site on Thursday night. Should travellers subsequently occupy the land they will be in breach of the court order.

The Environment Agency is currently reviewing its position as the site is on a flood plain.

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Ref: News 324

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