Unauthorised camp cleared in Cholderton by Wiltshire Council

The authority got a court order for several caravans to move on

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 5th Dec 2024

An unauthorised encampment on a byway in Cholderton has been cleared by Wiltshire Council, after they secured a court order.

Several caravans, vehicles, and chicken coops had been set up, with fencing built on the public highway and aggressive dogs on the site.

The Council's Enviromental Enforcement issued the occupant with a seven day notice to leave, and returned with police after that wasn't complied with and residents made further complaints.

More notices to leave were issued, and a Removal Order was obtained at Salisbury Magistrates Court, after they still failed to vacate the area.

The owner was also ordered to pay £750 in costs to Wiltshire Council.

Environmental Enforcement Officers moved in and cleared the site of all caravans, vehicles, and structures last week (Wednesday 27th November) with help from an approved contractor and Wiltshire Police.

The encampment was removed last week by Wiltshire Council, with help from contractors and Police

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said:

“As a council and the local Highway Authority, we have a legal duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to enable the use and enjoyment of any highway for which we have responsibility.

“The encampment in Cholderton was illegally in place and blocking the route for others wishing to use the byway. I’d like to thank the enforcement officers for their tenacity and patience in working through the legal process and successfully ensuring that the land was cleared.

“As this case shows, we will take firm and decisive action to remove unauthorised developments in Wiltshire.”

People wishing to report an unauthorised encampment can use the online reporting system, or by telephone on 0300 456 0100.

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