A High Court judge has extended an injunction against an unauthorised development on land in Moor Drove.
South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) took swift action during the last Bank Holiday weekend following reports that works were taking place at the site.
The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning’s compliance team managed to secure an interim High Court injunction at an emergency hearing on Sunday, 24 May.
But that expired yesterday (Wednesday) and SCDC was required to return to the High Court in London to seek an extension as well as update its duration and terms.
A SCDC press release explained that construction activity on the site was limited to groundworks when the interim injunction was granted.
When the injunction was served the following day, five caravans were present. But the Council says there are now 17 caravans on the land – and the court has confirmed all but the initial five caravans must be removed.
Terms
Her Honour Judge de Bertodano granted the year-long injunction to prevent any further development, other works or caravans being brought onto the site and to remove all caravans brought on after the interim injunction was served.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning for SCDC, said: “The Council and in particular our Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Compliance team moved swiftly over the bank holiday weekend to secure an interim injunction and restrict further development.
“Those efforts have continued since, and [the latest High Court] hearing reflects our determination to maintain that momentum by seeking stronger, longer‑term powers from the Court.
“We will continue to act decisively and in accordance with the Court’s directions to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.”
He added: “Planning rules exist to protect our communities, and it is important everyone follows them, so development takes place fairly and appropriately.”
Next steps
SCDC says it will now take steps to ensure that activities on the site comply with the ruling, including serving the new High Court injunction at the site.
The injunction was granted under Section 187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
