Over recent months, we have seen an increasing number of unauthorised caravan and mobile home sites appearing across the constituency, often set up in just a single weekend. Like locals, I am becoming increasingly frustrated.
These sites are being established on Green Belt land without planning permission. This creates huge anxiety for nearby residents, who watch as fields are dug up, trees are cut down and hardstanding is laid, all without going through the proper process.
I understand the frustration. When the rest of us want to make changes to our homes, we must navigate copious amounts of forms and regulations. We may not always agree with the level of regulation, but we put up with it because we are citizens of good standing and value a congenial society. To see others ignoring the law and getting away scot-free is infuriating.
It is unacceptable, which is why I am pulling every lever at my disposal.
I have been engaging with Tandridge District Council to encourage their enforcement efforts, which have included 18 temporary stop notices and multiple High Court injunctions.
I am also working with colleagues in Westminster to press for national changes, including restrictions on retrospective planning applications and action against deliveries of building materials to illegal sites.
I will keep residents updated on the progress of theses steps.
I will always take action to protect our countryside and ensure fairness for all residents.
