High Court grants Somerset Council final injunction over unauthorised traveller site in North Curry
The site at Oxen Lane was reoccupied back in October 2024 and later developed without planning permission
Last updated 18th Sep 2026
Somerset Council has won a high court injunction against an unauthorised traveller site in North Curry.
The site at Oxen Lane was reoccupied and developed for residential purposes in October 2024 without planning permission, prompting the Council to undertake planning and legal actions to address the situation within the constraints of legal and planning systems.
Earlier in the year, the Planning Inspector dismissed an appeal contesting Somerset Council's decision to deny retrospective planning permission.
The High Court has now ruled in the Council's favour, granting a final injunction to secure compliance and reinstatement of the land after detailed consideration of the importance of the site, the material circumstances and the impact on those affected through the planning application and public inquiry.
The judgment reflects the Court’s examination of the site's significance, the material circumstances, and the impact on those living there, concluding that the Council's enforcement action is justified and proportionate.
The injunction requires the cessation of the unauthorised residential use of the land and the removal of associated unauthorised development.
The decision by the court means people living on the site have three months to leave, with four months allowed for the site to be cleared and reinstated
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said:
"This has been a long-running and complex case, and we recognise that residents have been frustrated by the length of time it has taken to reach this point.
"However, throughout this process the Council has been required to follow both planning law and the legal processes set by the courts. We could not bypass those procedures, regardless of the strength of local feeling.
"Since the site was reoccupied, we have pursued planning enforcement action, secured an interim injunction, defended the refusal of planning permission through the appeals process and sought a final ruling from the High Court.
"The Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal against the Council's decision and the High Court has now granted a final injunction in our favour.
"We welcome the Court's judgment, which recognises the importance of upholding planning controls while carefully considering the circumstances of those living on the site.
“This issue has taken up a considerable amount of the council’s capacity with planning enforcement and we are grateful for the community’s patience and the hard work of the officers involved with this complex case.
"We will now work with all relevant agencies to implement the Court's order and bring this long-running matter to a lawful conclusion."