To view the agenda for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 please click here.
Council achieves High Court sentence for planning breaches
Posted on: 26 January 2026
Tewkesbury Borough Council has won an important case in the High Court after a landowner breached planning control several times as well as a High Court injunction.
On Friday, 2 January 2026, Mr Billy-Joe Roper was sentenced at Birmingham High Court. He was previously convicted on nine counts of contempt of court after failing to comply with a planning Injunction. The council had previously obtained the High Court order to prevent unauthorised development on the land at Warren Fruit Farm, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
In May 2023, caravans were brought onto the site without planning permission. In August 2023, the council obtained a High Court Injunction to prevent:
- Stationing caravans on the land
- Occupation of the land
- Laying hardstanding
- Carrying out any building works without planning permission
Despite this, further breaches occurred included the laying of hard surfaces, the extension of existing buildings, a change of use of a building to residential accommodation, and the siting of additional caravans on the land.
The council brought the case following continued non-compliance and complaints from the public. A trial took place in July 2025, after which Mr Roper was found guilty on nine counts in September 2025.
At sentencing on 2 January 2026, the court imposed:
- Six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
- An order requiring Mr Roper to remove or undo all works carried out in breach of the injunction
- An order to pay the council’s legal costs of £75,000
Councillor Sarah Hands, Deputy Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Lead Member for Planning, said:
“The council takes breaches of planning control extremely seriously. Planning High Court Injunctions exist to protect the community and the local environment, and it is essential that they are respected.
“We are grateful to residents for their continued cooperation and reporting of concerns, and we are pleased that the court has recognised the seriousness of this case.”
The council will continue to monitor the site to ensure full compliance with the court’s order.
