Key facts
- An unauthorised car park near Stansted Airport has expanded by nearly two-thirds since receiving a stop notice.
- Customers have reported significant issues including vehicle damage, overcrowded transport, and long waits for collection.
- The car park, located at New Farm, operates without planning permission for change of use.
- An appeal against an enforcement notice means the car park can continue operating until a hearing expected in 2027.
- Some customers were charged extra for transport to a hotel, from which they then had to walk to the airport.
An unauthorised car park operating near Stansted Airport has expanded significantly, nearly two-thirds larger, despite an enforcement notice ordering its closure. The facility, located at New Farm near Elsenham, Essex, began offering alternative parking to Stansted Airport customers in early 2025.
Customers have reported severe issues upon returning from holidays, describing scenes of 'mayhem' including overcrowded transport, damaged and dirty cars, and extended waiting times for collection. Mark Reardon stated his car suffered damage, including a broken door handle and scrape marks, and appeared to have been slept in, with blankets moved and seats laid down.
Jane Fuller reported her daughter's car was left unlocked for 22 hours, while Deb Jordan described the transport from the airport as 'an absolute hazard,' with passengers crammed onto a small minibus and luggage piled on top of people.
The New Farm site, formerly agricultural land, covers about seven acres and can now hold up to 1,000 cars. Uttlesford District Council issued an enforcement notice last summer to stop the unauthorised use. However, Aurangzaib Cheema, listed as an owner of SC Parking Ltd, appealed the notice, citing future bookings and potential income loss. This appeal permits the car park to continue trading until the Planning Inspectorate hears the case, a process not expected before 2027.
Some customers reported being charged an additional £20 for transport to the Radisson Blu Hotel at Stansted Airport, from where they then had to walk to the terminal. Amelia Palmer expressed disappointment after her car was damaged, adding stress to what was meant to be a treat.
SC Parking Ltd directors and a service provider linked to the site have not responded to requests for comment. Uttlesford District Council stated it is a complex case involving various agencies and will continue to monitor the site. Essex Trading Standards has not received enough complaints to warrant a formal investigation. Travel Extra Deals Ltd, a comparison website used by some customers, has issued a final warning to the operator and may cease sending bookings if further complaints arise. Park Pilot Ltd, named as the service provider on confirmation emails, also did not respond. The Radisson Blu Hotel acknowledged the concerns but stressed no commercial affiliation. Stansted Airport's managing director urged customers to use authorised parking providers and report issues.