Police are on site and construction work has ceased at a wildlife location in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, after a High Court injunction was imposed. The injunction, issued at 22:30 BST on Saturday, aimed to prevent unauthorised building and the introduction of caravans to a field off Sheering Mill Lane.
Despite the injunction, diggers were reportedly in use on Sunday and Monday morning. However, approximately a dozen police officers entered the site shortly before 09:00 BST on Monday, and images show vehicles subsequently departing the field.
Hundreds of residents had protested against the work, with some remaining overnight into Monday. Protesters reportedly cheered as vans and diggers began leaving the site around 09:30 BST.
East Hertfordshire District Council staff first noted the digging, which lacked planning permission, on Saturday morning. The injunction temporarily prohibits further development, bringing caravans on-site, and occupying the plot. Residents have stated the site is frequented by muntjac deer and possesses a rich ecosystem.