A council is taking legal action after officers found people flouting a notice preventing them working on an unauthorised development.

Council officers have visited a woodland site in Harvel Lane, Vigo Village, near Gravesend, to issue a warning to people who have allegedly felled protected trees.

Workers have been seen working on the site, known as Fowlers Stone Wood, despite the current lockdown measures.

Members of the public raised concerns with Gravesham Borough Council and Vigo Parish Council.

It is alleged an unauthorised development is being built on the site.

Council officers visited the woodland on Wednesday, April 22, and cautioned a person for allegedly felling trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

Wendy Lane, assistant director for planning at Gravesham council, said:“Anyone found guilty of this offence is liable, if convicted in the magistrates' court, to a fine of up to £20,000.

"In serious cases, a person may be committed for trial in the crown court and, if convicted, is liable to an unlimited fine.

“Additionally, in certain circumstances, landowners can be required to replace trees and woodlands."

Council officers issued a Temporary Stop Notice on Friday, April 24, which required those working on the site to stop immediately.

Temporary Stop Notices can be issued by the local planning authority where it is suspected there has been a breach of planning control, and lasts for 28 days from the date it is issued.

However, following more reports from the public and Vigo Parish Council, the site was visited by officers today where it was found works were continuing.

The council has said it is pursuing legal action.

A statement on Vigo Parish Council's Facebook page said: "We have been asked to report that Gravesham Borough Council is aware of the activity on site and as a result they took initial formal action on Friday last week, using the due process necessary.

"They continue to monitor and review the situation regularly and will consider further action as necessary.

"If you have any issues you wish to bring to their attention please do not ring them as this is taking resources which are needed to progress matters.

"Instead, please email concerns to planning.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk"

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