Unauthorised building work at a field in Sawbridgeworth has been halted after police enforced a High Court injunction, prompting cheers from hundreds of residents who had gathered to oppose what they believed was an attempt to establish a traveller site.
Vans, diggers and other vehicles left the land off Sheering Mill Lane on Monday morning as officers moved in following an amended court order. Some protesters had stayed overnight at the site in East Hertfordshire.
East Herts District Council said the operation ended peacefully and that no arrests were made. Police are expected to remain in the area throughout the day, with patrols continuing around the site.
The council said it first became aware of heavy vehicles and construction equipment entering the land early on Saturday, August 29. A Temporary Stop Notice was served shortly after 10.45am, but work continued, leading the authority to apply urgently to the High Court.
An injunction was obtained and served at about 10.30pm on Saturday. When activity carried on, the council returned to court and secured an amended order, which was served at around 12.30am on Monday.
The order prohibited further development, the arrival of caravans and the occupation of the land for development purposes. It also allowed police to arrest anyone found carrying out activities banned by the injunction, although the council said this power was not needed.
Police remain at Sawbridgeworth site
Aerial images showed hardstanding laid across parts of the field and fencing erected to create five plots. Two caravans were also reported to have been brought on to the land.
Residents said the work had damaged a wetland and floodplain where muntjac deer, bats, newts and nesting birds were understood to live. They described heavy machinery spreading hardcore across the field and said they feared the environmental damage could be irreversible.
One neighbour, who has lived in the area all her life, said residents felt “powerless” and “devastated” by the speed of the work.
“The reserve has been around for as long as life and within a day it was destroyed,” she said. “It’s a total destruction of nature.”
She claimed those carrying out the work had ignored the council’s stop notice and continued bringing machinery and materials on to the site during the bank holiday weekend.
Residents held a peaceful protest on Sunday, with crowds returning on Monday to watch as the vehicles departed. Angus Parsad-Wyatt, the Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, thanked those who had taken part and praised the police and council officers involved.
He described the response as “an incredible cross-community effort”, while thanking officers for managing what he called a difficult situation and securing the necessary court action at speed.
East Herts Council said the land had no planning permission for development. It will continue working with Hertfordshire Police and other agencies to monitor the site and prevent further unauthorised activity.
The authority said anyone concerned about further work should report it to police on 101, while warning residents not to confront anyone at the site.
A further court hearing is due to take place on September 15, although the council is seeking an earlier date because of concerns that work may resume. If contempt of court is established, possible sanctions could include site clearance, vehicle impoundment, fines and powers of arrest.
