A building row has erupted on Sir Rod Stewart's doorstep after major unauthorised works began on a Green Belt site, with construction continuing despite a council stop notice and a High Court injunction. The incident took place on a field on the south-west side of Sheering Mill Lane in Sawbridgeworth, which is also a wildlife hotspot near Stewart's main home, Durrington House, which he bought in 2013 for £4.65 million. Both locations sit close to the Hertfordshire-Essex border near Sawbridgeworth and Harlow.
Residents Protest and Police Attend
Residents of Sawbridgeworth are up in arms over the development, with the BBC reporting that up to 400 locals gathered to protest. Police also attended the scene. Hertfordshire Constabulary told Express: “Hertfordshire Constabulary is aware of a dispute over the use of land on Sheering Mill Lane, Sawbridgeworth. East Herts District Council is the lead authority, and more information can be found on their website. Our role is to support public safety and prevent crime and disorder. We will work to support partner agencies where necessary.”
East Hertfordshire District Council moved rapidly to halt the work after becoming aware of heavy vehicles and construction equipment entering the site early on Saturday, August 29. “Early on Saturday, 29 August 2026, we became aware of works taking place on the land off Sheering Mill Lane, Sawbridgeworth, following reports from local residents. Heavy vehicles and construction equipment had entered the site. The land does not have planning permission for development,” the council said.
Court Injunction and Continuing Work
A Temporary Stop Notice was served shortly after 10.45am, before the council made an urgent application to the High Court for an injunction. Mr Justice Coppel granted an interim injunction, which was seen by Express that evening, preventing further development and a broad range of preparatory works on the land. The order prohibits activities including clearing land, laying hardstanding or gravel, erecting fencing or gates, creating access, bringing machinery onto the site and bringing or occupying caravans or mobile homes.
In his note of the hearing, the judge said he was satisfied that the injunction should go beyond a usual status quo order because of “the extent of the development already undertaken”, adding that it was necessary to stop the development “in its tracks as far as possible”. The injunction is due to remain in force until the return hearing at the High Court on September 15, when the defendants can make representations about whether it should continue, be varied or discharged. However, work has reportedly continued on the site, with the council saying it is “doing everything possible to secure an earlier court date”.
Political and Supplier Response
Josh Dean, the Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, told the BBC people were “deeply concerned” about what was happening and warned the land would be “decimated and replaced with concrete”. Harlow Fencing, which delivered building materials to the site, also issued a statement confirming all deliveries were stopped after concerns were raised about its involvement at around 9am on Saturday. “We were led to believe the site was a legitimate new-build development and supplied materials in good faith,” it said, adding that “misinformation” circulating online had led to personal comments being directed towards its staff. Express.co.uk has contacted Stewart's representatives for comment.
