A long-running legal battle to stop trees being cut down has finally been won.

Gravesham council successfully served a high court injunction over the weekend to stop unauthorised tree felling and development for good at Fowlers Stone Wood, Vigo .

Complaints were first received about work on the site in Harvel Lane, which is subject to a blanket tree preservation order, in April when a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) was issued requiring the work to cease immediately.

An urgent interim injunction was granted by the High Court at the start of May when it became clear work was continuing .

The council's application for a final injunction was granted following a High Court hearing on September 21, when it was also awarded costs.

Gravesham council's cabinet member for strategic environment, Cllr Brian Sangha, said: "I appreciate the lengthy legal process has been frustrating for local people concerned at the destruction of local woodland.

"We have shared those concerns throughout the summer but have been duty bound to follow due legal process."

"I want to reassure residents that the council will not allow developments in breach of planning policies to continue.

"Protection of our woodlands and green spaces from unlawful developments remains a high priority.

"During the time between the interim and final injunctions being granted our enforcement officers, supported by colleagues from Kent Police, paid numerous visits to the site to gather further evidence to strengthen our case.

"That diligent work in often trying circumstances proved invaluable to our case at last week's hearing."

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