Planning breaches at Glos farm lead to High Court sentence
Six-month suspended jail term and £75,000 legal costs
Last updated 26th Jan 2026
A landowner near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, has been sentenced by the High Court for multiple breaches of planning control and failure to comply with a High Court injunction.
Billy-Joe Roper was sentenced on 2nd January 2026 at Birmingham High Court after being convicted on nine counts of contempt of court. The sentencing follows continued unauthorised development at Warren Fruit Farm.
The case stems from breaches that began in May 2023 when caravans were brought onto the site without planning permission. In August of the same year, Tewkesbury Borough Council secured a High Court Injunction prohibiting stationing caravans, occupying the land, laying hardstanding, and conducting any building works without planning permission.
However, further breaches occurred, including laying hard surfaces, extending existing buildings, changing a building’s use to residential accommodation, and positioning additional caravans on the land. Complaints from the public prompted the council to take legal action, with a trial taking place in July 2025.
At sentencing on 2nd January 2026, a six-month jail term was imposed on Mr Roper, suspended for two years. Additionally, the court ordered him to remove or undo all unauthorised works and pay £75,000 to cover the council’s legal costs.
Councillor Sarah Hands, Deputy Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Lead Member for Planning, said:
“The council takes breaches of planning control extremely seriously. Planning High Court Injunctions exist to protect the community and the local environment, and it is essential that they are respected.
“We are grateful to residents for their continued cooperation and reporting of concerns, and we are pleased that the court has recognised the seriousness of this case.”
Tewkesbury Borough Council will continue monitoring the site to ensure the court’s order is followed.