Chichester District Council serves injunction following unauthorised works in South Downs National Park

The injunction, granted by the High Court, is intended to stop all new engineering operations and to prevent all additional vehicles and caravans entering the site.

"We were made aware of unauthorised works at the site early on Friday 2 May," said Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council.

"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."

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.

"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," adds Adrian.

The council 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.

The council has produced a series of frequently asked questions and answers for local residents who want to find out more about the action that has been taken.

Date of release: 09 May 2025

Reference: 4469