Council granted development injunction

An injunction has been secured to prevent what is believed to be a unauthorised travellers' site in Essex.

Harlow Council was made aware of a development on private land at Barrows Farm Cottage on Thursday.

It said it found construction work, that did not have planning permission, which seemed to be for caravans and it sought a High Court injunction.

Dan Swords, council leader, said the authority had a "zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised development".

The injunction requires all works to cease immediately.

Swords said: "This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and the council has acted swiftly and decisively.

"There is a legal planning process that exists to protect residents and communities, and it must be followed by everyone. No permission has been sought, no approval has been granted, and no engagement has taken place with the council."

"Anyone who believes they can bypass the planning system in Harlow is mistaken.

"We will act immediately, with the full force of the law, and take whatever action is necessary to protect our town, our residents and uphold the law."

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