Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Caravan owners and occupiers at Gravel Pit in Gerpins Lane hit with a temporary stop notice by Havering Council for breaching planning law, face potential enforcement action.
According to the July 16 notice, there was an “unlawful development” on the green belt land, which included the installation of hard surfaces and the habitation of caravans and mobile homes.
Additionally, the placement of storage containers as well as the construction of gates and fences were done without obtaining planning approval by Havering.
The notice said:
“The council considers that the works being undertaken are taking place without the benefit of planning permission and if continued would have a severely adverse impact on the green belt.”
It directed the caravans’ owners and occupants to halt any work related to leveling the ground, building roads, or installing hard surfaces. Additionally, those who received the notice were instructed not to bring any vehicles, machinery, building supplies, or additional caravans onto the property.
The notice’s last clause forbade them from ever entering the property to engage in unauthorized activities. Until September 10, 2025, the notification will remain in force.
The charity Pinches, which is situated on the adjacent piece of property, has attested that the sign has nothing to do with its site.
What specific planning laws did caravan owners breach at Gravel Pit?
Stationing a caravan for residential use on land, especially non-residential or agricultural land, is considered a material change of use and typically requires prior planning permission from the local planning authority.
Failure to obtain such permission constitutes a breach of planning control under Section 171E of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which gives the council power to issue a Temporary Stop Notice to halt unauthorized activities on the land.
The breach likely concerns the use of the land as a caravan site without an approved site license and without the relevant planning permission.