Full Breakdown
Sawbridgeworth Wildlife Floodplain Dispute Escalates Over Bank Holiday Weekend
9/1/2026, 7:59:02 PM
Core Event: Unauthorised Development and Legal Intervention
Heavy machinery entered a Green Belt floodplain on Sheering Mill Lane in Sawbridgeworth on August 28. The site, a recognised wildlife habitat, was cleared and fenced despite no planning permission. East Hertfordshire District Council (EHC) issued a Temporary Stop Notice on August 29 and secured a High Court injunction the same evening, ordering an immediate halt to construction, caravan placement and occupation. Police entered the site the following Monday; those present left peacefully and no arrests were made.
Background & Context
Sawbridgeworth’s floodplain supports birds, reptiles, crested newts, badgers, muntjac deer and other wildlife. Residents have long valued the area as a natural reserve. The arrival of lorries delivering hardcore, timber, drainage pipes and fencing—some from Tarmac, Heidelberg Materials and Harlow Fencing—raised concerns that the land was being prepared for a mobile-home settlement linked to suspected travellers.
Timeline of Key Actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| August 28 | Heavy machinery and delivery trucks arrived on the floodplain. |
| August 29 (late) | EHC served a temporary High Court injunction after builders ignored a Temporary Stop Notice issued earlier that morning. |
| August 30 | Residents staged a peaceful protest; attendance estimated between 200 and 400 people. Police closed Sheering Mill Lane to traffic. |
| Early September (Monday) | Police entered the site; occupants left without incident. |
| September 15 (scheduled) | High Court hearing to consider possible contempt of court and sanctions. |
Data & Statistics
- Protest attendance: Independent reports noted “around 200 people” with BBC estimating “up to 400 locals.”
- Vehicle weight: Lorries exceeded the 3-ton limit for Sheering Mill Bridge.
- Wildlife present: Species cited include muntjac deer, badgers, foxes, newts and nesting birds.
Official Statements & Responses
- East Hertfordshire District Council – The council’s priority is to prevent occupation of the site and end the unauthorised development quickly.
- Hertfordshire Police – Officers observed that those with unauthorised access left peacefully; the amended injunction gives police powers to arrest breaches, though none were required.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
BBC on-site reporting indicated work continued after the injunction, whereas council and police statements assert the injunction halted activity. The identity of the landowner(s) remains partially undisclosed; the injunction names Leonard Richards and Darren Glover but provides limited detail on their role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are lots of birds, lots of reptiles, you've got crested newts, apparently badgers, muntjac deer - but it's all gone,” — Liz Coxhall.
- “Our priority is to prevent the site from being occupied and to bring the unauthorised development to an end as quickly as possible.” — Council spokesperson
What's Next
The High Court hearing on September 15 will determine whether the injunction has been breached and, if contempt is proven, what sanctions—such as site clearance, vehicle impoundment, fines or asset seizure—may be imposed. EHC is seeking an earlier hearing, citing ongoing deliveries and disturbance of the floodplain. Residents plan to maintain a rolling protest to monitor the site and document any further breaches.
