The report provided a protocol which outlined Brentwood Borough Council’s approach to dealing with unauthorised encampments on land within the Borough, where persons trespass onto land (public or private) not owned by themselves with an intention to reside on a temporary or permanent basis.

The protocol detailed the powers and actions available to the Council and will inform decisions on appropriate enforcement.

The Council will consider its use of powers to deal with unauthorised encampments within the Borough in a proportionate way, which will recognise the rights of minority groups but will also seek to protect the interests and amenity of residents and provide a transparent outline of the powers and actions that the Council will consider in such cases.

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr Sapwell to received the recommendations set out in the report.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:

2.1      Approve and adopt the Protocol as set out in Appendix A and B to       the report.

2.2      Agree to continue to work in liaison with Essex Police, Parish    Councils, other land owners and stakeholders to ensure an        effective response to unauthorised encampments in the       Borough,      aiming to minimise the impact on residents, the use of public and         private land and environmental damage.