Unauthorised encampments on privately-owned land
If there is an unauthorised encampment on your land, you will need to talk to the occupiers to try and agree a leaving date. You must do this as planning permission is needed for a caravan site, and you could face action if you do nothing.
The following documents, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), set out the powers landowners have in dealing with unauthorised encampments:
- Guide to effective use of enforcement powers - Part 1: Unauthorised encampments (February 2006)
- Dealing with illegal and unauthorised encampments: a summary of available powers (March 2015)
We will not be involved in any action to remove unauthorised encampments from private land and cannot give legal advice or recommend what to do - although in some cases we may be able to offer certain advice and assistance.
Private landowners need to get their own legal advice on the action they can take. There can be serious consequences for any landowner who does not follow the correct, lawful procedures.
If anti-social and criminal behaviour is suspected this must be reported to Police by calling 101.