TRAVELLERS have sparked fury after ripping up a protected field with bulldozers and trucks as locals fear they are planning a bank holiday “land grab”.
A 10ft wooden fence was erected on the pristine plot in Irby, Merseyside in just 24 hours, with noisy excavation work polluting outraged residents’ homes nearby.
Caravans and forklifts were seen ripping up a greenbelt plot in the Wirral Credit: SWNS
A fleet of doctors moved in on the field in just 24 hours Credit: SWNS
Shocking images and videos show the nearly 1 acre greenbelt field being torn to shreds next to a housing estate on Townshend Avenue.
A fleet of three caravans, two diggers, two cars and a vangmail have been seen on the site, while flatbed trucks and forklifts have also been spotted.
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No planning application has been submitted for works to be completed on the land, according to the Wirral Council planning portal.
A number of locals believe it is travellers who have bought the land and are conducting the illegal works.
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Local Conservative campaigner David Fairbairn said he is “outraged” by the works and has since reported it to the council, who he hopes will attempt to stop it.
He said: “This piece of green belt land has suddenly turned into what looks like a building site almost overnight.
“We have checked, and it has got no planning applications.
“I have been in touch with the deputy leader of the Conservative group who has reported this to the council at the highest possible level.
A flatbed truck was seen driving down the lane towards the site Credit: SWNS
The plot of land (red) on Townshend Lane, which is being turned into a Traveller site Credit: SWNS
“And we are now informed that enforcement is on its way.
“The police have been alerted as well as other agencies.
“So I want to see this dealt with quickly, as I know local residents do.
“I have spoken to a lot of people who are very concerned about this work.”
The freehold for the plot was up for sale on the website Home Estate Agents Wirral with a guide price of £90,000 to £100,000.
But the listing has since been removed, according to the website.
It described the land as an “excellent opportunity to acquire a parcel of land extending to approximately 0.9 acres” which is “situated in a highly sought-after location”.
It said it was surrounded by green space and farmland.
The listing made it clear the land falls within the green belt and therefore remains subject to the necessary planning permissions and restrictions.
Greenbelt land is protected, but can be built upon with the correct permissions, according to Gov.UK.
Councillor Mark Skillicorn said he had reported “suspicious activity” on what he referred to as the “potentially unauthorised encampment”.
He confirmed officers from the Resettlement Team, ASB Team and Planning Enforcement intended to visit the site.
A Wirral Council spokesperson said they are “aware of the activities taking place on land” and “are monitoring developments closely”.
They added: “As this is not council-owned land, we do not have powers to seek a Possession Order.
“However, we are working with a number of partner agencies to gather relevant information and will look to engage with the landowners before making a decision on the most suitable course of action.”
