How are unauthorised Developments and Illegal Encampments investigated?
If a person(s) enter land which they do not own and set up permanent or temporary residence this could be an illegal encampment. It is the responsibility of the land-owner to take action to evict the trespassers and the police have limited powers under certain circumstances to take action to have them removed. An unauthorised development is when the owner of land carries out development for which the premises does not have planning consent and this could include placing a mobile home or caravan on the site for residential occupation. In both cases if the occupation continues, and the land does not have planning consent for residential accommodation, the Planning Enforcement Team can investigate if there is a breach of planning control. In some circumstances, the Council is obliged to consider if the provisions of Circular 01/06 Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan sites and the Human Rights act are relevant. The Council does not have the power to take immediate action to have occup
