Planning enforcement success for South Downs National Park Authority

The Old Brickyard in Hawkley, Hampshire, has been protected from unauthorised development thanks to an injunction obtained by the South Downs National Park Authority and East Hants District Council.

The pre-emptive injunction, granted by the High Court, aims to prevent a breach of planning regulations and will give the police power to stop the site being occupied by mobile homes. It was successfully applied for following concerns from the local Parish Council and residents that the land was being made ready for mobile homes to be moved in.

Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said:

“It can take years to remove unauthorised mobile homes once on-site but this injunction gives the Old Brickyard the highest possible protection, empowering us to take action should the land be occupied. We were aware of the concerns of the local community and Parish Council who alerted us to this issue.

“We look to support all communities in the National Park and want to work with the travelling community and others including Parish Councils and Local Authorities to find appropriate and planned opportunities to fill this need.”

A spokesperson for Hawkley Parish Council said:
"Hawkley Parish Council is grateful that the Park Authority has shown decisive leadership in applying for this injunction. It is good to see a clear policy being followed and we are always in favour of equality being shown to all sections of the community in order to protect our precious countryside."

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