I've joined my Conservative colleagues in raising the alarm over a growing pattern of unlawful development taking place on rural and greenfield sites across the country.
In a letter sent to the Home Secretary, we warn that these sites are often constructed over a single weekend to evade planning rules, leaving local authorities tied up in lengthy and costly enforcement battles. Investigations by councils and police have also found that many of the mobile homes on these sites are being occupied by people with no legal right to be in the UK.
Communities in North Yorkshire and across the country are facing a worrying rise in intentional, unlawful development. Councils simply do not have the resources to deal with cases that can drag on for months or even years. At the same time, these sites are increasingly being used to house undocumented migrants, highlighting serious gaps in enforcement that undermine the rule of law.
Our letter calls for an urgent cross-government task force involving HMRC, Immigration Enforcement, the Environment Agency, police forces, and relevant government departments. The aim is to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement powers and prevent the establishment of illegal, unregistered accommodation.
We need a coordinated national response to ensure councils are supported, laws are upheld and our communities are protected. I will continue pressing the Government for the action needed to tackle this growing problem.
Full letter attached.
