A battle to prevent workers felling trees and progressing with an unauthorised development has been taken to the High Court.

Gravesham council announced it was taking legal action last month after officers found people allegedly flouting a notice preventing work on a development in woodland off Harvel Lane in Vigo, near Gravesend.

Officers visited a site known as Fowlers Stone Wood to issue a warning to people who have allegedly felled protected trees, and are now pursuing action in the High Court following reports work on the site has continued.

Kevin Burbidge, director of planning and development at Gravesham council, confirmed the council was granted an urgent interim injunction in an out of hours hearing on Friday evening, May 1.

He added: “The injunction prevents any further work taking place on site ahead of a further hearing scheduled to take place at the High Court on Thursday.

“In the event that the injunction is ignored this would constitute a contempt of court and would be subject to further proceedings.”

Several members of the public have raised concerns with Gravesham council and Vigo Parish Council over work on the site.

Council officers visited the woodland on Wednesday, April 22, and cautioned a person for allegedly felling trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

Two days later they issued a Temporary Stop Notice on Friday, April 24, which required those working on the site to stop immediately.

Temporary Stop Notices can be issued by a planning authority where it is suspected there has been a breach of planning control, and lasts for 28 days from the date it is issued.

But following more reports from the public and Vigo Parish Council, officers visited the site again three days later and found work was continuing.

A statement on Vigo Parish Council's Facebook page said: "We have been asked to report that Gravesham Borough Council is aware of the activity on site and as a result they took initial formal action on Friday last week, using the due process necessary.

"They continue to monitor and review the situation regularly and will consider further action as necessary.

"If you have any issues you wish to bring to their attention please do not ring them as this is taking resources which are needed to progress matters.

"Instead, please email concerns to planning.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk"

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