Legal action after caravans found on Traveller site after notice expired

North Yorkshire Council is preparing to instruct lawyers after an inspection found that 21 caravans remained at a controversial Traveller site near Biggin despite the expiry of enforcement notices.

The move follows a site visit to Bridge House, on Oxmoor Lane, on October 20, when planning officers found that requirements to restore the land to its previously approved use had not been met.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke, MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, has revealed the latest developments in an update to be presented to this month’s Selby and Ainsty Area Committee.

The MP has been pursuing concerns raised by residents about alleged breaches of planning control at the site, which has been the subject of a long-running dispute involving enforcement action and several appeals.

In his latest report, Sir Alec said officers had inspected the land following the expiry of two enforcement notices covering the caravan site and a separate workshop.

He said: “On the Touring Caravan Enforcement Notice, which required the cessation of the unauthorised site use and restoration to the original granted planning permission, I am informed, ‘whilst it was noted that some works had been undertaken on the land, it was observed that 21 caravans remained on the site area and works required to restore the land to a condition consistent with the approved planning permission had not been completed’.”

The second notice related to an unauthorised commercial workshop and required the cessation of the use and remedial work.

However, the MP said the inspection found that an unpermitted extension to the building remained in place.

Officers also reported that the buildings appeared to be used for personal storage by the landowner.

Sir Alec added: “As a result, the council is preparing to instruct lawyers imminently.

“I hope to provide a more positive update in the future.”

The latest findings follow months of concern from residents about the apparent lack of progress in enforcing planning controls at the site.

In September, Sir Alec warned that residents were becoming increasingly frustrated after a deadline to remove additional caravans and restore the land had passed without the required work being completed.

He said at the time that people who followed planning rules were frustrated when others appeared able to delay enforcement simply by failing to comply with formal notices.

The dispute dates back several years.

Planning permission granted in 2020 allowed Bridge House to operate as a holiday touring caravan site with up to 16 touring caravans and four grass tent pitches, together with tracks, sewage treatment facilities and an amenity building.

However, concerns emerged during 2024 that development and residential use had gone beyond the permission granted.

North Yorkshire Council issued a temporary stop notice in November 2024 preventing further caravans being brought onto the land and additional engineering and hardstanding works.

An application for a mixed-use transit Traveller site and tourism operation was subsequently refused.

The council issued an enforcement notice in December 2024 over what it considered to be an unauthorised change of use and associated development.

Following a hearing, a planning inspector dismissed the appeal in August 2025.

Appeals against the enforcement notice were also dismissed, although the notice was corrected and varied before being upheld.

A separate enforcement appeal concerning commercial and workshop activities was determined in March 2026, when another notice was varied and upheld.