1. Home
  2. Your community
  3. Community safety
  4. Illegal Encampments

Illegal Encampments

Illegal encampments on private land

The landowner has responsibility for illegal encampments on private land.

The landowner can obtain authority from the courts to evict.

We can only take action against the landowner if the illegal encampment breaches planning legislation or licensing laws.

Report a suspected breach of planning legislation or licensing laws
 

Report an illegal encampment on council land

We can evict illegal encampments from council-owned land, but only after obtaining authority from the courts.

In order to secure a court order, we must:

  • show the land has been occupied without consent;
  • enquire after the health, welfare and education of children at the encampment;
  • ensure we have fully complied with the Human Rights Act 1998;
  • prove ownership of the land and details of illegal encampment.

The police have no powers to evict illegal encampments, but can investigate reports of serious criminality or public disorder.

Report an illegal encampment
 

In this section:

  1. You are here: Illegal encampments on private land Illegal encampments on private land
  2. You are here: Report an illegal encampment on council land Report an illegal encampment on council land