Unauthorised caravan site inquiry delayed again

The public inquiry into an unauthorised caravan site in Surrey has been delayed again to allow more evidence to be submitted.

In December 2022, several caravans moved on to a field in Tanhouse Road, Oxted, and work began to lay hard surfacing and install drainage to connect to utility supplies.

Tandridge District Council issued enforcement notices, but the case has been repeatedly held up following an appeal.

Council leader Catherine Sayer said the planning enforcement system was "dogged by all sorts of procedural issues that cause these kinds of excessive delays".

The latest adjournment will allow further information on gypsy and traveller site provision in the district to be gathered before closing statements are heard next month virtually on 12 June.

Sayer said the council was increasingly using High Court injunctions to deal with deliberate unauthorised developments more quickly.

She added the prolonged case had "badly damaged public confidence" and was consuming "vast amounts of council time, energy and money."

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