High Court blocks Bromley council’s proposed borough-wide ban on travellers

By Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

Town hall chiefs will not be appealing after the High Court blocked its proposed borough-wide ban on travellers.

Bromley council has indicated it will not appeal the landmark judgement on its bid to ban travellers from staying on public land in the borough.

The authority’s case was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, with judges ruling that “borough-wide injunctions are inherently problematic”, in a result that could have ramifications for travellers and councils across the country.

In a statement following the judgement, the council confirmed it had “no plans” to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Councillor Kate Lymer, Bromley’s executive member for public protection and enforcement, said the authority would “reflect on the implications of the judgement in the coming days”.

“Nobody is above the law – there should be no doubt that the council will continue to protect all its parks and green spaces using the range of legal measures available to it,” Cllr Lymer said.

“The injunction prohibiting the depositing of waste remains in place.  We note the court’s decision and will need to take time to reflect on the implications of the judgement in the coming days.

“While a longer term injunction has not been granted, land owners and local authorities continue to have a range of options to stop unauthorised encampments.”

London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT), a group which opposed the latest court action, welcomed the decision.

LGT chief executive Debby Kennett said “We are extremely pleased with this result and proud to have been involved in such an important case which advances the recognition and protection of the nomadic way of life in the UK.

“The judgement sets a high standard for councils seeking injunctions and stresses the need to put in place adequate and safe provision.

“We are keen to work with councils to explore alternatives to evictions and injunctions, such as negotiated stopping.”

Pictured top: Bromley civic centre