‘Travellers’ banned from green belt site after using diggers, tell me about this news in (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/15/travellers-banned-green-belt-diggers-judge-sawbridgeworth/)

The incident centers on a legal battle over unauthorized development on protected green belt land off Sheering Mill Lane in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. YouTubeBackground and IncursionOver the late August bank holiday weekend, heavy machinery, diggers, and lorries moved onto a local green belt field and floodplain known to residents as a sensitive wildlife habitat. Construction crews began rapidly clearing the area, tearing up vegetation, and preparing the ground with hardstanding and fencing to establish an unauthorized encampment. YouTube+ 1Community and Council ResponseThe sudden arrival of heavy equipment prompted immediate alarm among local residents, with hundreds staging peaceful protests around the perimeter, bringing camp chairs, and blocking access routes to prevent further equipment from entering. The IndependentEast Herts District Council quickly stepped in, serving a Temporary Stop Notice because the works lacked planning permission. When construction continued in defiance of the notice, the council made an emergency application over the weekend to the High Court. East Herts CouncilHigh Court Injunction and EvictionMr Justice Coppel initially granted an emergency interim injunction barring all construction activity, road construction, machinery use, and caravan placement on the site. Because work initially persisted despite the order, an amended High Court order containing strict enforcement termsauthorizing police to arrest anyone continuing unauthorized development or bringing caravans onto the sitewas served. Facing police intervention and arrest powers, the individuals and machinery vacated the site peacefully. Daily Express+ 1The September 15 Court HearingThe injunction had been scheduled for a formal return hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on September 15. At this hearing, the High Court reviewed the breach of planning regulations and the interim orders, formalizing the ban to ensure the green belt land remains legally protected from any further unlawful development, occupation, or earth-moving activity while site restoration and long-term enforcement measures are addressed. Your Harlow