Chichester District Council takes enforcement action as caravans and machinery breach planning rules on protected countryside
A field near Lurgashall, close to Petworth, has become the centre of controversy after it was reportedly turned into an unauthorised caravan park over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Council officials were alerted to the activity on Friday, May 2, when heavy machinery was seen removing grass and preparing the land for vehicles. Planning enforcement officers from Chichester District Council responded promptly by issuing a temporary stop notice, but works continued in breach of the order.
By Sunday (May 4), witnesses reported the arrival of additional materials including gravel and a septic tank. On Tuesday morning, around ten motorhomes were seen parked on the land.
In a statement, a Chichester District Council spokesperson confirmed the council is escalating its response:
“We were made aware of unauthorised engineering operations at a site near Lurgashall on Friday morning.
We immediately sent planning enforcement officers out to assess the site and this led to a temporary stop notice being served that day.
As the notice has been breached and caravans have now entered the site, we are taking further legal steps including seeking an injunction through the courts.”
The site in question falls within a rural area protected by strict planning controls, including those enforced under the South Downs National Park designation.
Council officials say they are now working closely with stakeholders, including local parish councils, residents, and those occupying the site:
“We want to assure the community that we are doing everything in our power to respond to this. We will also be working with those on the site, local parish councils, and the local community, to offer support.”
MP for Arundel and South Downs, Andrew Griffith, expressed strong condemnation of the situation, stating:
“I completely share the outrage and concern of residents about this illegal breach of all respected planning standards and behaviour.
It makes a mockery of a system where we all jump through lengthy and costly hoops to install a dormer window when such brazen breaches happen unchecked.
I contacted the council and South Downs National Park early on Friday morning and insisted that an emergency stop notice be issued — which they did. Continuing to work on the site is now an offence.”
Griffith also urged the council to ensure it has enforcement capacity even during holiday periods, when such unauthorised developments are more likely to take place.
As of today, legal proceedings are said to be underway, and an injunction is being pursued to halt further activity on the site.
