STORY
An unauthorised traveller site at Willows Green in Essex has prompted anger from residents and criticism of Uttlesford District Council, after construction work began on a four-acre rural field over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Reports said vehicles, diggers, lights and generators arrived at the site near Felsted shortly after council offices closed, with work then beginning to prepare the land for hardcore and a possible caravan site. Residents said the sudden development caused noise and disruption, while local concerns have focused on the reported removal of vegetation, the creation of a new access road and the possible impact on wildlife including protected great crested newts.
Sir James Cleverly, the Conservative MP for Braintree and Shadow Housing Secretary, accused those behind the development of “gaming the system” by carrying out work outside normal office hours. He said the case showed the need for faster action where unauthorised building work appears to be timed to exploit gaps in planning enforcement.
Uttlesford District Council had previously said it was aware of local concerns, but that planning enforcement is reactive and formal action can only be taken once a breach has occurred. After the work began, the council said officers were working “at pace” to assess activity on the site and gather evidence before considering enforcement options.