The owners of a stud farm have been served with a High Court injunction preventing them from building on the site.

The owners of the Oakview Stud Farm in Horton Kirby, near Dartford, were served with the injunction by Sevenoaks District Council after it was discovered they were planning to erect five buildings at the stud farm in Lombard Street.

William Cook Snr, William Cook Jr and Gavin Dunn were served the injunction on Thursday, July 12, after council planners became aware of plans for buildings and fencing to be put up without the correct permission.

The injunction prevents the erection of buildings, sheds, structures and fencing as well as the bringing of any materials to construct fences or walls and all other development from taking place on a southern section of the site without permission.

The injunction also prevents anyone else from building on the site.

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

It is not the first time the stud farm has been in the news,.

In 2014, William Cook senior was told he was not allowed to keep horses for 10 years after the deaths of eight neglected animals he was supposed to be looking after.

William Cook, who was 73 at the time, allowed 13 horses to suffer through a lack of care - causing two to die from poor health and six be put down by the RSPCA.

Inspectors were called following concerns about the state of horses being kept on his land.

The horses - which included stallions, geldings, colts and mares - were kept on Cook's property at the stud farm and at The Stables in Mead Road, Edenbridge.

Cook admitted 18 charges in relation to incidents involving 13 horses at Dartford Magistrates' Court.

He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison - suspended for two years - and ordered to pay costs of £24,656.

Last week, Cllr Robert Piper, Sevenoaks District Council's head of planning, said: "The council will always work with landowners to ensure planning law is abided by but we are equally committed to taking action against those who deliberately make no effort to comply with the regulations.

“This is an example of the thorough work by our determined officers taking early steps to stop an unauthorised development before it happens.”