main content Waldens Farm direct action

Caravans and mobile homes illegally occupying green belt at Waldens Farm have been removed today. The action was taken to secure compliance with an enforcement notice that was issued last autumn. Failure to comply with an effective enforcement notice is a criminal offence. The occupants of the caravans were offered alternative accommodation.

"We simply cannot allow the illegal occupation of green belt land. It is a serious matter and one that is adversely affecting the quality of life of local residents. This was a last resort for us but it demonstrates our resolute determination to tackle the issues facing us. We have shown our commitment to using all legal options available to us until the situation is resolved. This will continue for as long as it takes" said Council Leader, Stephen Carr.

The enforcement notice was served as there is no planning permission to station caravans on the agricultural land on Crockenhill Road. There was no appeal against the enforcement notice, which came into effect on 30th September 2004.

The latest action relates to specific plots and is separate from legal action elsewhere on the 70 acre former farm site which was subdivided into hundreds of plots in the 1970s.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• A Court injunction which covers "caravans, buildings, structures of fences, whether portable or otherwise" is intended to stop further structures being placed at Waldens Farm. The caravans removed today were not covered by the injunction as they had been moved onto the site prior to the injunction.
• For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, 020 8461-7670 or email:  andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk