Labour MP Josh Dean has backed residents fighting unauthorised works at Sheering Mill Lane in Sawbridgeworth, condemning the damage caused to the site and calling for stronger powers to allow councils to intervene more quickly.
The Hertford and Stortford MP visited the site after concerns were raised about unauthorised works on land described locally as an important wildlife area and natural floodplain.
Heavy machinery moved onto the land off Sheering Mill Lane on Saturday, with diggers and trucks carrying out extensive works. East Hertfordshire District Council subsequently secured a High Court injunction aimed at stopping further development and preventing occupation of the site.
Posting after visiting the area and speaking to residents and campaigners, Dean said he was “appalled by the flagrant disregard for the rules and the damage that has been done to our environment”.
He added: “I want to see these works brought to an end as soon as possible.”
Dean said he was in contact with East Herts Council, Hertfordshire Police and other local stakeholders and had offered his full support in responding to the situation, as also reported locally.
Hundreds of local residents have reportedly gathered near the site to express their opposition to the works, while local authorities have established a multi-agency response. Sawbridgeworth Town Council said its councillors were working alongside the agencies involved and supporting efforts to ensure the relevant authorities remained engaged.
East Herts Council has said its priority is to prevent the site from being occupied and to bring the unauthorised development to an end as quickly as possible.
The authority said the case is due to return to court, where a judge will consider whether the High Court injunction has been breached. A hearing has been scheduled for 15 September, although the council is seeking an earlier court date because works have continued at the site.
If contempt of court is established, the council said possible measures could include site clearance, vehicle impoundment, powers of arrest, fines and seizure of assets.
Dean said the incident also demonstrated the need to examine whether councils have sufficient legal powers to respond rapidly when unauthorised development takes place.
“The law needs to change to ensure that local authorities have the powers they need to bring this kind of activity to a swift end,” he said.
“I will raise this with the Government and in Parliament, and I will work with our community to ensure your voice is heard.”
The intervention puts Dean alongside local residents and authorities pressing for an immediate halt to the works, while also raising the prospect of wider changes to planning and enforcement law to give councils stronger tools to deal with similar incidents in future.
