Injunction granted for Lawrences Lane unauthorised development in Thatcham

West Berkshire Council has been granted an injunction for the unauthorised Lawrences Lane development.

On Wednesday evening, in an urgent, out of hours hearing before Mrs Justice Stacey in the High Court of Justice, the injunction was granted, preventing any further unauthorised development activity.

A full hearing is due to take place on August 31.

The injunction, as it stands, prohibits the defendants and any other person from using the land or carrying out any work on the land that breaches planning control.

They must not also not bring any additional caravans or mobile homes onto the site, take up permanent residential occupation of the seven existing caravans on the site or bring any further portable structures or materials onto the grounds.

The defendants have also been prohibited from carrying out any further work in preparation for stationing caravans or mobile homes whether it be for human habitation or residential occupation.

They may also not carry out any further work associated with creating paths, roadways, or sewerage, water, and electricity infrastructure.

Executive member for planning, transport and countryside Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South & Holybrook) said: “Following on from the temporary stop notice that was issued on Tuesday, this is the next important step in the process to ensure that our planning policies and procedures are conformed to by those seeking to avoid them.”

A large number of workmen were spotted by worried locals when work began last weekend, bringing in machinery to begin construction work.

Neighbouring residents have raised concerns to the police and local authorities over noise disturbances and anti-social behaviour from the on-site workers.

The site has previously undergone planning applications for a change of use from a self-service livery stable to a single dwelling and another to form a live/work unit. Both applications were rejected.

West Berkshire Council said there will also be an increase in police presence around the area.

Thatcham Town Council have offered local residents points of contact for any disturbances.

Any anti-social behaviour should be reported to Thames Valley Police - Use the non-emergency 101 number for situations that do not require an immediate police response or their online form https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

Only call 999 in an emergency if a crime is taking place or immediate danger.

For noise disturbances, contact Environmental Health at Public Protection Partnership on (01635) 503242 or email ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk

For all other matters contact West Berkshire Council (Building Communities Together Team) on 07881 856801 or email westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk

Residents are also welcome to contact the town council to inform it of non-urgent issues, concerns or reports of problems at enquiries@thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk