Council Secures High Court Injunction to Halt Unlawful Development at Wanborough Fields

Published on: 23 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 25 Mar, 2026

Plots of land have been sold off which are now, it is said, being used in breach of planning regulations. Picture taken in 2022.

Guildford Borough Council has successfully obtained a High Court injunction to prevent further unauthorised development at Wanborough Fields.

The injunction applies to named individuals, and also to ‘persons unknown’ including newcomers, who will be bound by the order until Thursday, March 11 2027.

In addition, the injunction requires the reversal of the breaches of planning control that have already occurred on the land off Westwood Lane in Wanborough.

The issue was the subject of a meeting in Wanborough Barn in 2022 attended by five MPs at that time (from second left: Jonathan Lord (Woking), Claire Coutinho (East Surrey), Angela Richardson (Guildford) and Jeremy Hunt (SW Surrey)) as well as several councillors. No effective enforcement action seemed to have ensued in the interim.

Cllr Fiona White

Cllr Fiona White (Lib Dem, Ash Wharf), lead councillor for Planning, said: “Securing a High Court injunction is a significant step and sends a clear message that unacceptable unlawful development will not be tolerated in our borough.

“This decisive legal action reflects our firm commitment to upholding planning law and protecting the borough’s environment.

“The injunction not only restricts those currently occupying or developing the land but also acts as a clear deterrent to anyone considering similar unauthorised activity on this land in the future.

“We’ve dedicated significant time, expertise, and resources to bring this case to the highest level at the High Court, demonstrating how seriously we view the breaches occurring at the site.

“This action protects our communities, our countryside, and the integrity of the planning system.”