Several concession businesses have been forced to move out of Twyford-based garden centre Hare Hatch Sheeplands after an injunction was granted to Wokingham Borough Council for the business to stop “illegal trading.”

According to Wokingham Borough Council, the business only had permission to operate as a plant nursery, cafe and shop, with no permissions granted for several other businesses operating from the site including a fishmonger, pet food store and antiques dealer. An injunction was granted by the High Court for these extra businesses to cease trading by May 1.

The garden centre has been the subject of enforcement action since 2012 when owner Rob Scott was accused of extending the site's cafe and play area unlawfully and breaching the green belt surrounds.

Concessions Granite Transformations, Bell Antiques, Quality Garden Buildings and Petstop have now left the site. Deep End Pools has relocated to a nearby Wyevale garden centre, while Garden Trends has been served with notice to leave but has requested a time extension.

Having closed the children's play area, animal petting zone and recreational farm shop “some time ago,” Sheeplands has revealed that its clothing range, toys and games have all been removed, but that its cards and garden related gifts can now be found in the farm shop.

The site's overflow car park has been levelled and seeded with grass, with the possibility of this being turned into a wildflower meadow in the future.

Mr Scott explained: “We are returning to our core business and are now looking for support from the council in our efforts to remain financially viable. Meanwhile for the shop, cafe and nursery our loyal customers have been wonderful by continuing to support us.“

Unfortunately, some of the changes on site have lead to redundancies. Meanwhile, Mr Scott and the owners of several concessions will face an appearance at Reading Crown Court on May 23 to face accusations of failing to comply with an enforcement notice. They have said that they will be pleading not guilty.