HARLOW Council has secured an immediate High Court injunction to halt an unauthorised development on private land at Barrows Farm Cottage.

Late in the day on 11 June the council was made aware of the unauthorised development, which it investigated fully the next day.

Barrow Farm Cottage is on Elizabeth Way, next to Harlow Town Football Club.

The council found on site construction works had taken place which would require planning permission. The works appeared to be in preparation for the siting of several caravans on the land. No such permission had been sought or granted by the council.

Commenting on the injunction, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and the council has acted swiftly and decisively.

“Harlow Council has a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised development. There is a legal planning process that exists to protect residents and communities, and it must be followed by everyone. No permission has been sought, no approval has been granted, and no engagement has taken place with the council.

“Within 24 hours of becoming aware of the situation, we secured a High Court injunction to halt any further development. That is a significant step and reflects the seriousness with which we view this matter.

“Anyone who believes they can bypass the planning system in Harlow is mistaken. We will act immediately, with the full force of the law, and take whatever action is necessary to protect our town, our residents and uphold the law.”

The injunction requires all works to cease immediately. Failure to comply with the injunction may result in contempt of court proceedings, which could lead to imprisonment.