A High Court injunction has been issued to prohibit the addition of more caravans and mobile homes at The Laurels site on Fen Road, near Cambridge, following a fire that destroyed multiple units.
The order, which runs until May 1, 2026, was obtained by South Cambridgeshire District Council after a fire on April 20 damaged 11 caravans, stables, outbuildings, and vehicles.
According to a report by BBC, the site, located in the green belt on the outskirts of the city, has planning permission for seven pitches designated for members of the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
However, the council said that the number of caravans on-site recently exceeded that limit, and some of the units were occupied by individuals not belonging to the intended communities.
According to a council spokesperson, the overuse of the site not only breached planning regulations but also contributed to heightened fire risks.
“As well as breaking planning rules, the potential replacement of the unauthorised caravans would again pose a significant fire risk,” the spokesperson said.
The council emphasized that the addition of more units to the site would be illegal under the terms of the injunction, which was secured on April 26.
The council is currently evaluating its response regarding the remaining units on the site. It said it would determine the most suitable steps moving forward while ensuring compliance with planning regulations and safety requirements.
“The green belt site has been used recently for a much greater number of caravans – some of which were being used by people who are not from the Gypsy and traveller community,” the council noted.
South Cambridgeshire District Council shares planning services with Cambridge City Council and maintains that the original permission was granted with specific use parameters. The authority is also providing assistance to residents affected by the fire.
“The council continues to offer free advice and support to people displaced from the site,” said John Batchelor, the council’s lead member for housing. “Council staff always assess whether anyone facing homelessness needs a place to stay for a short time.”
For outdoor hospitality professionals, especially those managing caravan or glamping sites, this situation highlights the importance of adhering strictly to planning permissions and fire safety regulations.
Operating beyond approved site capacities not only exposes owners to legal risks but also increases the likelihood of safety incidents that can disrupt business continuity and affect community trust.