An injunction has been served to a couple who were preparing a site for caravans.

The pair from Swanley have been served a High Court injunction after Sevenoaks council discovered they were getting an unlawful caravan site ready on Green Belt land.

Mark and Lucy Hilden, of Park Lane Farm, Swanley were served the notice following an emergency hearing at the High Court of Justice in London on Wednesday, September 5.

This was after council officers visited the site at Wood Street, Swanley on Monday, September 3 and discovered around 1,000 square metres of hardstanding had been laid, as well as preparations for electrical points, a water supply and a cesspit.

No planning application for the development for the site close to Swanley Village had been entered to the council.

The High Court injunction will prevent anyone bringing caravans or similar accommodation on to the site as well as any others structures and sewage, water or electricity connections.

If breached, the couple could face a charge of contempt of court, which carries a potential custodial sentence of up to two years as well as an unlimited fine.

Sevenoaks council portfolio holder for planning, Cllr Robert Piper, says: “Once again the work of our officers has resulted in stopping an unauthorised development and helping to protect the District and another example of our determination to protect our Green Belt.

“The Council is committed to working with landowners and ensuring planning law is enforced but as this example shows, we are also not afraid to take those who fail to work with us through the Courts.”

The Council is now speaking with Mr and Mrs Hilden about removing the hardstanding, which would require planning permission.