High Court injunction over green belt parking

More than 300 vehicles were being illegally parked on the green belt land

A west London council has obtained a High Court injunction to stop unauthorised parking on green belt land.

More than 300 vehicles were being illegally parked on a privately-owned site in Harlington.

An investigation by Hillingdon Council's enforcement team found vehicles parked on the site for storage and sale by multiple parties, as well as illegally erected structures, and gravel which had been used to reinforce the ground.

Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council's cabinet member for planning, housing and growth, said the council shared residents' "concerns and frustration".

Becky Sloan and Stuart Wilson have lived in the area for decades and said it had been horrific

The council obtained the injunction on 10 December.

The site, which is accessible via Manse Close, must be fully cleared and restored to its former condition by 14 February, in order to comply with the court order.

The legal action followed complaints from residents and an investigation by the council's planning enforcement team.

Becky Sloan, who has lived in the area for about 25 years, said the land was boarded up with no prior warning given to residents.

She said: "Life has been awful and stressful.

"It's caused litter and rodent problems, with cars coming and going 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Stuart Wilson, who has lived there for 42 years, said the area had become unsafe.

"It's been pretty horrific and taken so long for any action to be taken.

"People are very annoyed. It was a peaceful area, but it's all changed."

'Flagrant disregard'

Deliberate breach of an injunction is contempt of court and can result in imprisonment.

Mr Tuckwell said: "I'm pleased the High Court has recognised the urgency of this issue by granting the injunction to finally bring the illegal activities to an end.

"The offenders have shown a flagrant disregard to the local area and safety of the neighbourhood by ignoring previous enforcement notices for financial gain.

"We are committed to keeping residents safe and to protect precious green belt land, and will always take robust action to ensure our planning rules are enforced."

Harlington Investors Limited, who own the land, has been approached for comment.