3 days ago
Travellers turn Cheshire green belt field into car park in 72 hours
A group of travellers have caused outrage after parking on a six-acre green belt field and turning it into a gravel car park within 72 hours.
Bulldozers, excavators and HGVs moved onto the plot on the outskirts of Burtonwood, Cheshire, and started the unauthorised work over the bank holiday weekend at the end of last month.
It is believed the travellers bought the land, with caravans and associated vehicles being moved onto the site on May 23.
In three days, a 10ft-high wooden fence was erected along the boundary, and half the field was covered in hardcore and gravel. Around 13 caravans, four vans, a digger and three cars were parked on the hardcore earlier this week.
Following the unauthorised work, a retrospective planning application was submitted to the local council.
Warrington borough council launched an investigation after concerns were raised by nearby residents. An enforcement notice has also been submitted by officials.
'The transformation is shocking'
Ward councillors Stuart Mann and Kevin Burgess had reported concerns to Cheshire Police and Warrington borough council over possible planning breaches. ScottishPower was also asked to conduct an emergency investigation into a possible attempt to tap into the mains supply.
The council said it would 'take strong enforcement action within the legal framework' and that 'this has already commenced'.
Cllr Mann said: 'It is important for it to be known that the people who have done this own the land. Concerns have been raised, and the council needs to ensure that necessary checks and balances have been put in place.'
Locals took to Facebook to express their concerns, with one saying: 'The transformation is shocking.' Another said: 'It seems they ain't going anywhere. Hopefully, they are good neighbours.'
A third added: 'They are obviously wanting privacy – the speed that the border fence has been erected is phenomenal.'
Villagers said excavators were digging up half of the field and removing the earth in tipper trucks between the bank holiday's Friday and Sunday. They also told how work went on continuously over the three days.
The plot is on Farmers Lane, at the Tan House Lane junction, with locals saying the land was green belt and for agricultural use only.
Travellers are an ethnic minority group and are protected under equality legislation.
Commenting on the situation, Cllr Mann said: 'I would like to thank residents for their patience and support, as well as the many emails and calls I have received.
'As matters are now involving a formal and legal process, and to maintain independence of any application and investigation, I am unable to share anything more than is stated below.
'I have met with the chief executive of Warrington borough council and the MP for Warrington North to raise our ongoing concerns regarding the development on Farmers Lane.
'I have received, from the borough council planning and enforcement teams, that a retrospective planning application has been received, but that it is yet to be validated. Any such application has to be determined on its relative merits. This will take a number of weeks.
'Information will be gathered as part of this process, which will inform the enforcement position.'
Warrington borough council also said it had 'established a priority enforcement case' over the situation in Burtonwood.
