(Image: LDRS)
Twenty-three people have been named in High Court proceedings over an unauthorised traveller site in the North Yorkshire countryside following claims that a court order banning further development has been ignored.
North Yorkshire Council has stepped up its legal action over the controversial site near Hillam, west of Selby, with proceedings brought against 23 named defendants as well as other unidentified individuals.
The latest move follows allegations that work continued on the land off Betteras Hill Road despite the council serving a temporary stop notice and securing an interim High Court injunction last month.
The authority has warned that anyone found to have breached the injunction could face contempt of court proceedings.
North Yorkshire Council's corporate director for community development, Nic Harne, said: “We have acted swiftly in response to this unauthorised development near Hillam and have pursued all appropriate legal action available to us.
“Alongside the temporary stop notice, we secured an interim injunction from the High Court to prevent any further development. This latest submission to court is the next step in the legal process.
(Image: LDRS)
“We understand the concern this matter has caused locally and will continue to keep the community informed.
“The site continues to be closely monitored and any suspected breaches will be investigated. A breach of the injunction may constitute contempt of court.”
At least 14 caravans were subsequently brought onto the site, prompting concern among nearby residents.
The council served a temporary stop notice on September 14 before securing an interim injunction from the High Court, which was served by planning enforcement officers with police support on September 19.
The injunction prohibits additional caravans being brought onto the land, further hardstanding, construction work and the installation of infrastructure without planning permission.
The High Court proceedings name 23 individual defendants, including Steven Miller, also known as Steven Millers, Julie-Ann Mongan, Joe Miller, James Mulvana, Luke Wood, Joshua Adams, Danny Miller, Eileen Mongan, Jackie Malaski, John Doran, Patrick Doran, Laura Doran, Teresa Doran, Priscella Connors, Thomas Mongan, Michael Mongan, Deborah Mongan, Andrew Cawley, Anita McGinley, Danny Cawley, Michael Cawley, Felix Doran and Jerry Doran.
The council has also brought proceedings against unidentified individuals involved in bringing caravans onto the land, occupying them or carrying out development without planning permission.
Read more
Agricultural field could be transformed into secure exercise area for dogs
Yorkshire Water admits £1.5m river sewage scheme has fallen short of target
New Lidl supermarket approved for town despite fears over employment land and traffic
A hearing is scheduled for October 21 at the Leeds District Registry of the High Court, when a judge will consider whether the injunction should remain in place.
Traveller and Gypsey advocates have previously warned that a shortage of authorised sites leaves some families with few options for somewhere to live.
While not condoning breaches of planning law, they argue that the lack of suitable alternatives can force travelling families into difficult situations.