People in caravans on South Downs face High Court notice

Chichester District Council has served the injunction notice on the site near Lurgashall, Petworth, where a large area of grass was removed and caravans pitched up on the land.

The injunction, granted by the High Court, intends to stop all new engineering operations and more caravans or vehicles entering the site. 

The council has also issued an enforcement notice. 

This requires the relevant parties to return the land to agricultural land and to remove any unauthorised structures, items, vehicles and caravans and to cease unauthorised use of the land.

Councillor Adrian Moss, leader of Chichester District Council, said: “We were made aware of unauthorised works at the site early on Friday, May 2. 

Caravans on the site (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) “Our planning enforcement officers were sent out immediately to assess the site and this led to a temporary stop notice being served that day. 

“However, as this notice was breached, we have now escalated the matter by seeking and securing an injunction from the High Court in London. 

“This has now been served and prohibits any further unauthorised works or vehicles and caravans entering the site. 

“If a person fails to comply with an injunction this could result in a custodial sentence.

“Planning regulations exist to protect our countryside and communities. 

“Where these are ignored, we will not hesitate to take action.

“We take these matters incredibly seriously. 

“We are taking all of the steps available to us to try and resolve this situation as quickly as we can.”

The council said it is engaging with local residents, parish councils and those currently on the site to offer support, as well as working closely with the South Downs National Park Authority.