EHDC's Planning service has protected East Hampshire's valued countryside once again by working swiftly to seek an emergency injunction to prevent further work on a rural site in Bentworth.
The council secured a High Court injunction to prevent any further construction on land in Jennie Green Lane.
The development occurred over the Easter Bank holiday weekend. An ‘emergency stop notice’ on Thursday 24 April was issued to prevent any further development.
After it appeared further work had been undertaken, EHDC issued proceedings for an injunction.
A planning application has now been submitted.
Cllr Tony Costigan, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Property and ward councillor for the area, said: “Residents were very concerned to see apparently unauthorised and unlawful development taking place on a beautiful corner of the local countryside.
“Naturally we responded as quickly as we could and were prepared to go straight to the High Court to prevent further damage being done.
“EHDC will always seek to take proportionate and reasonable legal action of this kind whenever we are faced with this type of totally inappropriate development of our natural landscape.”
The court will consider if the injunction will remain in force on Thursday 8 May, when the developer will have the opportunity to challenge the council.