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Traveller site construction 'in breach of law'
TL;DR
Uttlesford District Council has ordered a halt to construction on an unauthorized traveller site in Willows Green, Essex. The temporary stop notice is effective until June 30, amid reports of continued work despite the order.
Key points
- Construction on an unauthorized traveller site has been ordered to cease
- The site is located in Willows Green, Essex
- The stop notice is effective until June 30
- Reports suggest work may have continued despite the order
Mentioned in this story
Uttlesford District CouncilWillows GreenFelstedEssex
A council has ordered construction work to cease on an alleged unauthorised traveller site.
Work began on land in Willows Green, near Felsted, Essex, within hours of Uttlesford District Council shutting its offices for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend on Friday.
A temporary stop notice issued by the council has now ordered work on the site to cease from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until 30 June.
A spokesperson for the landowner said they had stopped construction and wished to comply with the council notice, despite the authority receiving reports alleging work had continued beyond the deadline.
The council told the BBC it was "aware of reports that activity has continued on the site".
"It is a criminal offence to carry out work in contravention of the temporary stop notice," a spokesperson said.
"We understand how concerning this is for local residents, and officers are working swiftly to gather evidence and consider the council's next steps.
"As legal proceedings are now under way, we are unable to provide further comment at this time, but we want to reassure the community that we are actively pursuing all appropriate enforcement actions within our statutory powers."
People guilty of breaching a temporary stop notice can be convicted in court and handed an unlimited fine.
Residents have already described to the BBC how lorries could be seen delivering materials, including fencing and septic tanks, after sundown on Friday.
The Conservative MP for the area, former Home Secretary James Cleverly, accused the travellers of "gaming the system".
Campaigner Sherrie Smith, who founded Gypsy and Travellers Essex, pointed out that people felt they had no choice but to build plots unlawfully and then seek retrospective planning permission later.
According to council meeting papers from December, 35 traveller pitches were needed across the district.
Essex Police has been contacted for comment.
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Q&A
What is the reason for the construction halt in Willows Green?
The construction was deemed unauthorized by Uttlesford District Council, prompting a temporary stop notice.
What are the consequences of breaching the construction stop notice?
Continuing work beyond the stop notice can lead to legal action and potential fines for the landowner.
How long is the construction stop notice effective for?
The stop notice is effective from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until June 30.
