Havering Council has secured an interim High Court injunction to prevent unauthorised development and occupation of land at Benskins Lane, Noak Hill.
The order, made in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court on 2 October 2026, applies to land on the south-west side of Benskins Lane, north and south of Westwood Park, known as Curtis Plantation, RM4 1LB.
It prohibits the defendants from bringing caravans, mobile homes or other structures capable of habitation onto the land; carrying out works including laying hardstanding; installing services; taking up occupation; erecting enclosures; and carrying on business or storage activities without lawful planning consent.
The interim injunction remains in force until 4.30pm on Monday 12 October 2026, when the matter is due to return to the High Court for a further hearing.
Anyone who knowingly breaches the order, or assists or permits a breach, may be held in contempt of court.
Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“I welcome this injunction, which sends a clear message that we will act decisively where land is at risk of unlawful development or occupation.
“We are committed to clamping down on environmental crime, protecting Havering’s green spaces and making our Borough safer for everyone.
"Planning rules exist to protect communities and the environment, and we will use the legal powers available to us when those rules are ignored.
“I would like to thank the Council Officers and Legal Team whose swift and diligent work enabled us to bring this action before the Court.”
The Council will continue to monitor the site and take any further action necessary to protect the land and uphold planning controls.