A Kirtling landowner has been served with an interim injunction, preventing her for using her plot for anything outside its original planning permission.
East Cambridgeshire District Council served the injunction last Wednesday (September 13), meaning that owner Linda Watson can only use her land for equine purposes.
Ms Watson had earlier told Metro that she planned to sell the 2.5 acre plot to travellers so that they could “ruin the village”.
Erecting or siting additional buildings, caravans or mobile homes is now a criminal offence, as is laying piping or excavating or importing material onto the land.
In a statement the council said it had served the injunction as “it is believed beyond reasonable doubt that the owner of the site had intentions to use the land for purposes other than those permitted”.
ECDC Director of operations Jo Brooks said: “We have worked hard to challenge the reputation the sector has for hindering rather than helping people with applications for development.
“In our district there is no barrier to building for people who follow the rules and comply with planning policy. We are proud of being a facilitator for growth and will continue to be so.”
A “firm but fair” policy ensured that “swift action” would be taken against people who didn’t follow due process, she added.
“Those who flout regulations or fail to follow the rules and planning policy are not treated leniently.
“After all, we have a duty to enforce where it is considered reasonable and proportionate and uphold national planning regulations and guidance.”
ECDC planning manager Rebecca Saunt said there was “no excuse” not to follow procedures.
“The process of applying for planning permission is not difficult or expensive – in fact, we have worked hard to make it extremely easy and efficient.”
The council says it has “one of the most efficient” planning services in the UK.
From September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017, 82 per cent of applications were given the green light.
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