Court order prevents further work and stops more people moving on to the site
East Hampshire District Council has served a High Court injunction preventing more people moving on, or more work being carried out to a site in Medstead, following unauthorised development by Travellers.
On Friday 22 May caravans were moved on to a field at the junction of Abbey Road and Wivelrod Road and hard-standing and septic tanks were installed.
Following investigations carried out by the Planning Enforcement Team, including a number of site visits over the previous two weeks and the service of a Temporary Stop Notice on Friday 29 May, a case was taken to the High Court in London.
On Friday 5 June the council’s Legal Team, working with London Chambers, attended a High Court hearing and an interim injunction was granted.
The interim injunction prohibits further development taking place on the land and more people moving on and occupying the site. The Judge did not seek to remove the people currently occupying the site.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Regulation, said: “This was a clear case of unauthorised development and we have acted quickly and to the full extent of our powers to stop the work and prevent further damage to the site.
“We have already issued a Temporary Stop Notice and now have served a High Court injunction. This means that no more work can be carried out on site and that no more people can move on to it.
“We understand that local residents want instant results when faced with a situation like this and we have acted swiftly within the limitations of the law.
“The court order does not mean that the current occupants can be forced off the land or that the land must be returned to its former condition.
“We must also consider a planning application that has been submitted on the site, and we must do that fairly and without prejudice.
“We will be sure to keep residents updated while we work through these legal processes. What we really need is legislative support from Government to enable us to be more proactive, when speed is of the essence.”
Copies of the injunction were delivered to the site on Friday evening and came into effect on Monday 8 June 2026.
A further hearing is due to take place at the High Court at the end of June. Before then, officers from the Planning Enforcement Team will continue to monitor the site and carry out further investigation.
A retrospective planning application has been validated and is currently under assessment by the council. Further information on the proposal and how to make representations can be found on the planning portal section of the EHDC website.