Caravan dwellers evicted from land near Totnes

South Hams District Council has taken action to evict a group of people living unlawfully in caravans on land near Totnes.

It follows dozens of complaints from local residents about the encampment and activities of the occupants, including threatening behaviour.

The group set up caravans on land at the junction between Green Lane and Jackmans Lane just outside Totnes without permission. The Council has tried all routes available to encourage the group to leave the site over a 5 year period. This includes serving an Enforcement Notice in 2024 and, more recently, a Direction to Leave under Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 – both of which have not been complied with. Housing and homeless prevention officers have also visited the site to offer housing support, but it hasn’t been taken up.

During this time the Council continued to receive dozens of complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour and intimidation toward other users of the lane.

The Council was left with no further choice but to obtain a Section 78 court order on Monday authorising the removal of the caravans from the land and evict those living there. After giving 24 hours’ notice, several caravans remained, so they were removed and securely stored.

The owners will be able to reclaim their property within the next 14 days by contacting the Council, providing proof of ownership and paying any statutory removal and storage charges.

South Hams District Council is now working closely with a wide range of partners to try and support those evicted to find alternative accommodation as well as working to clear the site and prevent the land being used in this way again.

Cllr David Hancock, Lead Member for Planning, said: “People living in caravans is not uncommon in the South Hams and this action is not about a particular way of life.

“All residents have the right to live in peace and none of us have the right to threaten and intimidate others. When a small minority decide the rules don’t apply to them—and their behaviour harms neighbours—we have a duty to act.

“We tried every reasonable route to resolve this peacefully and offered support to leave the site, but continued reports of harassment and anti‑social behaviour left us no choice except to use legal powers.

“As we enforce the law, we’re also working with partners to help those affected find alternative accommodation and to minimise disruption for the whole community.”

Ward Councillor, Cllr John McKay, said: “We have listened carefully to residents affected by the issues on this site. Intimidation and anti‑social behaviour are unacceptable, and no one should feel unsafe in their own community.

“We respect that some people choose to live differently in rural locations and we will support lawful, considerate arrangements. But in this case the encampment did not respect the law or local people.

“Our priority now is to support residents, ensure the area is safe and tidy, and continue to offer appropriate advice and support to those who need it.”