Tandridge District Council news release - 22 September 2023
Successful prosecution of unauthorised caravan site owner
On Thursday 21 September, at Staines Magistrates’ Court, Michael Moloney pleaded guilty to contraventions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1991. He was fined £2070 for breaching the Stop Notices, ordered to pay £965 towards the Council’s costs and £828 to the victim support fund.
In December 2022, several caravans moved onto the site owned by Mr Moloney in Tanhouse Road, Oxted and work began to lay hard surfacing and install drainage to connect to utility supplies.
The Council served enforcement notices to prevent further development. These notices were appealed by Mr Moloney, which meant the occupants could remain on the site until that appeal has been determined by an independent planning inspector.
The Council then served a Temporary Stop Notice, followed by a Stop Notice, which required the occupants to leave the site while the appeal was being considered, removing all caravans and other vehicles, or risk prosecution. As the occupants did not comply with either notice, the Council took action to prosecute Mr Moloney and others.
Following yesterday’s outcome, the Council will now request Mr Moloney agrees a date for the occupants and their mobile homes to leave the site. If an appropriate date cannot be agreed, then a further prosecution is likely.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Catherine Sayer, said: “While prosecution is very much a last resort for the Council, it was important we took this action to protect against inappropriate development in the Green Belt.”
