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

The permanent injunction was granted by a High Court judge at a hearing on 9 September 2025, which prohibits all new engineering operations and prevents vehicles and caravans entering and being placed on the site. The judge also awarded costs of £53,000 to Chichester District Council. Should any of the defendants in these proceedings breach the terms of the permanent injunction, they may be found to be in contempt of court. This is a serious matter which attracts a fine, seizure of assets, and/or a term of imprisonment.

The hearing had been set on the 14 July 2025, but the judge granted an adjournment until 9 September to allow the defendants to provide further written evidence regarding their personal circumstances. During this time an interim injunction was in place.

In line with an Enforcement Notice issued by the council, the relevant parties are required to return the land to agricultural use, remove any unauthorised structures, items, vehicles and caravans, and cease the unauthorised use of the land.

"We are very pleased that the High Court has granted a full injunction in this case. This is a significant step in protecting our countryside and ensuring that planning regulations are upheld," says Cllr Bill Brisbane, Cabinet Member for Planning at Chichester District Council. 

"The injunction sends a clear message that unauthorised development will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take robust action to safeguard our local environment and communities. We will now focus on taking the next steps to ensure that the site is cleared and returned to its original condition."

The council was initially made aware of unauthorised works at the site early on Friday 2 May. Planning enforcement officers were sent out immediately to assess the situation, which led to a Temporary Stop Notice being served that day. When this Notice was breached, the council escalated the matter by seeking and securing an interim injunction from the High Court in London on 14 July 2025. A permanent injunction was then granted at a hearing on 9 September 2025.

The council continues to engage with local residents, parish councils, and those currently on the site, and is working closely with the South Downs National Park Authority to ensure the matter is resolved appropriately and in line with planning regulations.

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority, says: "This has been a shocking and appalling breach of planning in the South Downs National Park, which is designated on behalf of the entire nation for its natural beauty, biodiversity and heritage. The permanent court injunction to remove all unauthorised works, vehicles and structures and return the land to agricultural use sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate these breaches. In this particular case there were serious impacts upon the landscape and communities.

"We'd like to thank Chichester District Council for their diligence and hard work as we've worked in partnership to achieve this successful outcome. We'd also like to praise the ongoing patience of the local community as this matter is resolved."

Date posted: 11 September 2025

Reference: 4518