Homeowners near a greenfield site in Romford, Essex, are expressing significant anger and frustration after learning that individuals responsible for illegally tarmacking the land for a caravan encampment will be permitted to stay for up to a year. The grassland, located in Noak Hill, was rapidly transformed in November through what residents described as a 'carefully planned stealth operation.' Convoys of trucks and diggers descended on the site, laying down tarmac and establishing plots for caravans in a move that took just over two hours.
An appeal against planned council intervention was dismissed, offering residents a glimmer of relief, but their anger was palpable upon discovering that those occupying the site would be granted four months to find alternative accommodation, extending the entire situation to a 12-month duration if the order is enforced. Shaun Carr, a father of two and a resident of Noak Hill, warned that inaction could lead to the green belt land being turned into a 'concrete jungle.' He criticized what he termed 'red tape' that renders authorities 'weak and ineffectual' against 'opportunists.'
'It's green belt land. The purpose of that is to stop urban developments from endlessly expanding,' Carr told the Daily Mail. 'Then you get a huge illegal operation turn up and change the site into a kind of self-governing town. How it wasn't stopped beggars belief.' Residents have reported an increase in fly-tipping, abandoned caravans, and a rise in antisocial behavior, including fights and threats. Carr expressed doubt that the situation would improve, stating, 'I wouldn't hold my breath – it feels like things are getting worse.' He added that the area is experiencing more speeding cars and petty crime, with concerns about the site's condition once it is eventually vacated.
Dale Jones, another resident, recounted a 'harrowing campaign of abuse' he claims originated from the site, including being struck by a catapult projectile and having his car windows smashed. Jones, who has lived in the area since 1985, stated that the new encampment has been the 'final straw' and is prompting him to move. He described constant fly-tipping, speeding, and rubbish strewn across the landscape, noting that he and a friend recently intercepted a van illegally dumping waste.
Details of the land grab emerged during a failed appeal against enforcement notices issued by Havering Council in December 2025. The notices ordered the removal of mobile homes and caravans due to the lack of planning permission on protected green belt land. The operation on November 28 involved multiple diggers and lorries delivering construction materials, with electricity, lighting, and connections for gas, drainage, and water being installed. The speed of the development was intended to present the council with a 'fait accompli' upon their return to work on the following Monday.
Planning inspector Grahame Kean described the event as a 'disciplined rapid unauthorised development.' He noted that retrospective planning applications were submitted 'almost as an afterthought' after the development had been 'long in the planning.' The land was purchased by High Top Roofs and Gutters Limited in May 2025 and subsequently subdivided among several Irish Traveller families, including plots acquired by Frank Mongan, Thomas Mongan, and James and Joseph McDonagh. Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, expressed disappointment and shock at the unauthorized work beginning on the protected green belt field.
The situation highlights a tactic increasingly familiar to planning enforcement teams, where rapid development occurs over weekends or bank holidays to bypass local authority offices before retrospective permission is sought. Similar incidents have been reported on green belt land in Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Kent. The encampment is situated near a golf club and stables, both of which have reportedly increased their security measures, including gates and cameras, due to the proximity of the site.
