Council working to resolve caravan eviction dispute

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Tuesday, 24 May 2022 17:09

By Gavin McEwan - Local Democracy Reporter

The caravan, apparently still occupied, seen from the main road this month.

Herefordshire Council has said it is working to resolve a dispute with a couple still living in a rural caravan after the deadline on its notice to evict them came and went.

Brian and Penny Morris had sought a certificate of lawfulness for the caravan, at Grantsfield Farm, Kimbolton, near Leominster, in September 2020, claiming it had been there for longer than 10 years, giving them immunity from enforcement.

Herefordshire Council disputed this, and not only refused to grant the certificate, but last September issued an enforcement notice giving the couple until March 29 to move out, and until April 28 to remove the caravan.

The couple attempted to appeal this, but withdrew their appeal last December.

However, a nearby resident noted this month that the couple still appeared to be living there.

Indeed on April 4, Mrs Morris applied for prior approval for a 20-metre polytunnel “for horticultural purposes” immediately north of the caravan pitch, under what are called permitted development rights, avoiding the need for full planning permission.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “The council is in talks with [the Morrises] in an effort to resolve the matter without resorting to prosecution.

“Because failing to comply with an enforcement notice is an offence, prosecution is an option, but we cannot comment further at this time to make sure we do not prejudice any potential future action.”

An attempt was made to contact the Morrises for comment.