Essex Council Issues Stop Notice on Willows Green Construction After Holiday Start

Construction started on land in Willows Green, near Felsted, Essex, hours after Uttlesford District Council closed its offices for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend on Friday.

The council issued a temporary stop notice ordering work to cease from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until June 30.

A spokesperson for the landowner said construction had stopped and they wished to comply with the notice, even though the council received reports alleging work continued past the deadline.

The council told the BBC it was aware of reports that activity has continued on the site.

"It is a criminal offence to carry out work in contravention of the temporary stop notice," a spokesperson said.

"We understand how concerning this is for local residents, and officers are working swiftly to gather evidence and consider the council's next steps. As legal proceedings are now under way, we are unable to provide further comment at this time, but we want to reassure the community that we are actively pursuing all appropriate enforcement actions within our statutory powers."

People guilty of breaching a temporary stop notice can be convicted in court and face an unlimited fine.

Residents told the BBC they saw lorries delivering materials, including fencing and septic tanks, after sundown on Friday.

James Cleverly, the Conservative MP for the area and former home secretary, accused the travellers of gaming the system.