Surrey: Public inquiry to look at unauthorised encampment

The council said several caravans moved onto the field in December 2022

A public inquiry will be held to look into an unauthorised encampment in Oxted, Surrey.

In December 2022, several caravans moved onto a field in Tanhouse Road.

Work also began to lay hard surfacing and install drainage to connect to utility supplies.

Tandridge District Council said it was taking steps to ensure there were no further breaches of planning control, however both the land owner and occupants are appealing.

The landowner has appealed against three planning enforcement notices served on them and the other occupants of the site, which were given by the council in December 2022.

To consider the appeal, the public inquiry will be held by the Planning Inspectorate between 18-21 June at the council's offices in Oxted.

The landowner and the council will give evidence and the inspector will decide if the notices should be upheld or if planning permission should be given for the occupants to remain on the site, either permanently or temporarily.

The landowner put forward a proposal that they intended to remain on the site until the public inquiry into their appeal had been heard, the council said.

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