In a decisive win for Dorset Council, a court injunction has been secured to tackle an unauthorised private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site at Broadmead Road in Three Legged Cross.
After a lengthy legal battle, the Council has successfully ordered the occupiers – the Ward family – to restore the site, which will safeguard the character of the local area and uphold planning regulations.
The concern began in January 2021, when Dorset Council’s Planning Enforcement team received a report from the public about suspicious activity on the land. What followed was a four-year enforcement process that highlighted the Council’s determination to protect the community against unauthorised works.
The issues came to light when the site was found to have caravans in storage, large areas of hardstanding created with waste materials, and boundary fencing erected—all without planning permission. A Temporary Stop Notice was quickly served in January 2021.
In July 2021, Dorset Council received an application from the Ward family to change the land to a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site comprising four mobile homes, four touring caravans, associated hardstanding, and installation of septic tank. However, this wasn’t progressed as the required outstanding information was never submitted to the Council’s Planning team by the family.
Further Planning Enforcement Notices were issued in August 2021, which were followed by an appeal from the Ward family in September. After a 2.5-year delay, caused by cancelled hearings and the need for a specialist Planning Inspector, the appeals were finally dismissed in March 2024. However, the Wards continued to resist enforcement measures, claiming the initial unauthorised works were not carried out by them.
On 17 March 2025, Bournemouth County Court granted a final injunction against the Ward family. They now have three months to remove the caravans, and six months to restore the land. Failure to comply with the orders could result in prosecution or even imprisonment for contempt of court.
Costs were also awarded to the Council in principle—though the final amount is yet to be decided by the Judge.
Cllr. Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said:
“This has been a long and challenging case for Dorset Council and our residents. We are committed to protecting our communities and ensuring our planning system is fair and respected by all. Unauthorised developments will not be tolerated.
“This case should serve as a stark warning: disregarding planning regulations can lead to lengthy legal battles and serious consequences.”
