The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
Travellers have sparked fury after transforming a farm site into a caravan park within just 48 hours – operating at an “extraordinary pace” in what appears to be a calculated attempt to evade council intervention.
Laura Trott MP revealed the group descended upon Seasons Farm in Edenbridge, Kent at around 5pm on August 22 to execute a “cynical” operation.
The Conservative MP for Sevenoaks suggested the timing was deliberately chosen to establish themselves before council officials could obtain an injunction and stop the work.
Despite Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) obtaining a High Court Order on August 24, construction appears to have persisted at the location.
Aerial photographs of the site captured on Wednesday (September 3) seemingly reveal static caravans positioned on cleared agricultural land and divided into multiple plots by fencing.
The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
A substantial manor-style property featuring a swimming pool sits in close proximity. The land is privately owned.
Ms Trott, 40, said: “Over the Bank Holiday weekend, a deliberate and pre-planned breach of planning law took place in our community.
“Those responsible cynically began work after 5pm on Friday, clearly hoping that no action could be taken until after the long weekend.
“But thanks to the swift work by Sevenoaks District Council, an injunction was secured on Saturday evening – an excellent piece of work, for which I am extremely grateful.
The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
“However, work appears to have continued over the weekend, including more vehicles arriving on site.
“This is completely unacceptable. I have already raised a number of urgent questions with the Council about next steps, including enforcement, police involvement, and further court action.
“I will continue to provide every possible support to ensure that breaches are dealt with firmly.
“I will also be raising this matter with Government Ministers.”
Ms Trott went on to say she wanted laws to change and ‘criminalise’ such behaviour.
“It cannot be right that substantial, pre-planned and deliberate breaches of planning law are treated solely as civil matters as they are now,” she continued.
“The law must change so that such behaviour is criminalised – and those who flagrantly break the rules face the strongest penalties.
“Finally, my thanks to all residents who have been in touch.
The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
“I know how upsetting and worrying this will be, but I hope the swift reaction of the council in obtaining an injunction over the weekend will bring a small amount of comfort.
“Please be assured I will do everything within my power to help.”
SDC described the pace and scale of the works over the Bank Holiday weekend as “extraordinary”, noting that if works were discovered to have continued after the injunction was served, those responsible could face criminal charges.
A spokesperson said: “Our Planning Enforcement Team were notified by members of the public on Friday (22/08) evening that significant groundworks were being carried out on Seasons Farm without planning permission.
The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
“The extraordinary pace and scale of the work that took place over the course of Saturday meant (SDC) was able to secure and serve a High Court injunction on Sunday morning.
“Any work that has been carried out since the injunction was served could lead to those responsible being found in Contempt of Court, which is punishable with imprisonment, an unlimited fine or by assets being seized.
“On Friday, August 29, an enforcement notice and a stop notice were served on the persons responsible.
“Breaches of these notices would be a criminal offence, which could lead to prosecution.
The travellers have turned the farm’s field into a caravan park in just two days (Image: undefined)
“We understand the significant impact these unauthorised works are having on the community, and the environment, on a site that is within the Green Belt.
“We are closely monitoring the site, recording any further activity, and gathering evidence to ensure we have the strongest possible case when we return to the High Court on September 15 to confirm the injunction.
“We are grateful for the understanding and support we have received from the local community and the information they have provided.”
SDC confirmed that the five people listed on the injunction are Patrick Delaney, William Harrington, John Quilligan, Thomas O’Brien and Thomas Coffey.