A MAN who repeatedly ignored directives to remove caravans from a plot of land has been hailed – a move welcomed by the leader of Basildon Council.

Charlie Anderson has found himself behind bars over an unauthorised development on greenbelt land south of Hovefields Drive in Wickford.

Anderson received a custodial sentence of seven months at a sentencing hearing which combined a reactivated four month suspended sentence for unauthorised development, and a three month sentence for further admitted breaches.

Basildon Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott, says: "I am very pleased with this outcome and I would like to thank the judge for taking the council's claim seriously. I am also grateful to the council officers who diligently pursued the right course of action despite numerous attempts by the defendant to delay the legal process.

"Residents of Hovefields Drive have long suffered as a result of this particular case and this sentencing will hopefully provide some reassurance that their voices have been heard.

"This sentencing sets a clear precedent that Basildon Council takes all forms of unauthorised development seriously. We will not tolerate those who think they are above the law and we will pursue legal action to ensure land in our borough is properly respected."

The sentencing follows a legal process beginning in November 2020.

A court issued a series of injunctions to prohibit further development and enforce the removal of caravans and mobile homes from the land. Officers of the council presented evidence at numerous hearings, outlining how the terms of these injunctions had been breached.

At the sentencing on Thursday, 7 October the judge noted the serious nature of the breaches - highlighting the significant expense to the taxpayer and the attempts by Anderson to delay proceedings and cause additional costs.