Runnymede Borough Council have reached a compromise with a gypsy family that they have been attempting to evict from green-belt land.
The council had been seeking an order to force the Loveridge family from the land in Lyne, where they have sited caravans and a wooden barn, claiming that the development breached green-belt regulations.
But, after a day of legal dispute, and following the promptings of Morland J, the two sides agreed that the family would vacate the site if the council is able to offer them suitable alternative accommodation.
The Loveridges live in mobile homes and caravans on the site, which they purchased in June 1993.
Michael Druce, counsel for the local authority, submitted an agreed order to the court under which the council will use their “best endeavours” to find suitable accommodation for the family.
In return, the Loveridges have pledged to lodge an application for housing, and to remove all structures from the land within six weeks of adequate housing becoming available.
Runnymede Borough Council v Loveridge Queen’s Bench Division (Morland J) 8 May 2003.
References: PLS News 9/5/03
