Newark and Sherwood District Council has successfully obtained a final injunction order from Nottingham County Court, compelling an illegal encampment in Weston to cease its operations as a caravan site. The court has mandated that the site be restored to its original condition by 15 January 2027. This decision follows the Council's application to restore previous injunction proceedings that were initially issued in April 2025.
The court also awarded the Council £30,000 in legal costs, for which all defendants are jointly and severally liable. Councillor Andy Freeman, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee, hailed the outcome as an 'excellent result' and a clear message that planning rules will be consistently enforced. He encouraged residents to report potential breaches to the Council's planning enforcement team.
The unlawful development, situated between Tuxford and Sutton-on-Trent along the A1, began on Good Friday, 18 April 2025. Occupiers reportedly established roads, removed hedges, created entrances, erected fences, and installed electricity and water supplies within 24 hours to create approximately 40 pitches by Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
The District Council promptly served a planning enforcement notice and pursued legal action, including an interim injunction prohibiting further activity. The recent trial culminated in His Honour Judge Owen ruling that the works were 'pre-planned and well-orchestrated', carried out over a bank holiday to ensure 'a degree of secrecy'.
Councillor Freeman acknowledged the challenging journey but reaffirmed the Council's commitment to enforcing planning rules, expressing hope that the decision brings welcome news to the local community who have been concerned since April last year. The Council will continue to monitor the site and ensure the court's decision is implemented.
