RESIDENTS have welcomed two High Court hearings into the development of alleged illegal travellers’ sites - with one dubbed Dale Farm II.

Basildon Council revealed the next hearing, in respect of land west of Hovefields Avenue, has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 7.

The next hearing in respect of Silva Lodge Kennels is scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Five individuals have already been found guilty of contempt of court and are scheduled for sentencing on this date.

Jill Walsh, spokesman for Hovefields Residents’ Association welcomed the news.

She said: “My initial feeling is that I hope the judge takes very careful notes and the council supplies the very latest evidence, including aerial shots showing just how far the site has developed.

“I hope the judge grants the council’s request to enter the land to seek compliance with the Enforcement Notice.

“If the court case was successful, it would mean the residents would feel that the law applies to all of the community.”

Ms Walsh, 64, said despite the injunctions caravans and trucks delivering asphalt continue to arrive at the site.

Nearly two thirds of a five-acre field – about the size of three football pitches – has been covered in asphalt.

She continued: ““When I moved in and looked out the window I saw green fields. Now when I look out the window I see a six foot fence with asphalt behind it. The plot next to it behind another six foot fence has a mobile home behind it despite an injunction.”

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “Basildon Council is currently engaged in planning enforcement activity regarding several alleged breaches of planning regulations in the Hovefields Avenue/Drive area.

“Legal action is currently being taken to ensure compliance with High Court Injunctions preventing further unauthorised development from taking place.”