From the Ongar Gazette
AFTER nearly seven years away, Travellers have returned to Stapleford Tawney – in direct breach of a High Court injunction and without planning permission.
The Irish Travellers, who moved on to a site just off Epping Lane, claimed that they need to stay because some of their babies are ill and need medical treatment.
The news has angered some residents and the local parish council, who seven years ago saw the Travellers get away with breaking multiple planning laws over several years of occupation.
Stuart Galloway, chair of Stapleford Tawney Parish Council, said: "Many of the residents of Stapleford Tawney and the neighbouring parishes are unhappy about the fact that Travellers have once again moved on to the site on Epping Lane.
"The parish council are working very closely with Epping Forest District Council, who are keeping us fully informed of their actions.
"It is necessary for EFDC to work within the law and follow the correct procedures to remove the Travellers.
"There are many local residents who are unhappy that Travellers appear to be able to move on to land illegally and that it then takes so long to remove them."
He added: "As is often the case the Travellers moved on to the land on Bank Holiday Saturday when we reported the situation to EFDC.
"Because of the Bank Holiday, EFDC were unable to start proceedings until the following Tuesday, giving the Travellers three days to settle-in virtually uninterrupted, although the police were present to monitor the situation."
A female member of the travelling community, who would not be named, said: "My husband owns this land. We are planning to stay here as some of our babies need medical treatment.
"We are applying for planning permission for eight caravan sites and my husband is dealing with the council at the moment. There was an injunction against us for five years and it has now expired, that is why we have come back after being kicked off."
A spokeswoman for EFDC said: "The council planning enforcement officers were made aware that Travellers had moved on to the site over the weekend on Tuesday morning.
"To the best of the council's knowledge, we understand that they own the land and we are engaging with them as to their personal circumstances.
"We will look to deal with any planning issues in the normal way and we have been advised that they are intending to submit a planning application which if received and registered would be assessed against all material considerations including national and local planning policies.
"The site was subject to injunctive proceedings in 2006, but the Travellers at that time left voluntarily so the council did not have to seek to enforce the injunction.
"The injunction though has not expired and the current occupants are fully aware of this. Council planning enforcement officers have visited the site and there have been no issues requiring the presence of the police."
A resident, who would not be named for fear of reprisals from the Travellers, said: "They left the place in a mess last time they were here.
"I just hope the council deal with it quickly and we don't end up with the same situation as before.
"When it comes to planning it seems to be one rule for them and another for us."
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