Residents of Bridgefoot Cottages in Hertfordshire are voicing frustration over a traveler family who were granted temporary permission to occupy a green belt site, alleging that the family has not appeared on the land while new applications for additional caravans are pending.
The land, previously characterized by woodland, was cleared in 2022 without permission. Following a retrospective planning application's rejection by Hertsmere council, the Planning Inspectorate granted the occupants five years of temporary permission to remain on the site until 2029. This decision was reportedly based on the need for a settled home for a mother, Theresa Lane, and her five children, including an 11-year-old with Down's Syndrome who was stated to require proximity to a specialist school.
However, neighbors have told the Daily Mail that neither Ms. Lane nor her children have been observed on the site in the two years since the temporary permission was granted. The only individual believed to be residing there is a man in his 30s, contrary to the condition that only Ms. Lane and her family could occupy the land. Residents report that council enforcement officers stated they could not force entry to question the occupants about alleged rule-breaking.
One resident who attended the Planning Inspectorate hearing expressed doubt about the child's connection to the family, stating she was "not acknowledged" and "did not show any indication that she knew them," adding that she felt the child was "ignored by the applicant party."
Neighbors recount experiencing hostility and deception since the travelers arrived. One resident described being subjected to abusive language when approaching men working on the site. Shortly after the trees were felled, a neighbor was reportedly offered to buy the land for £450,000; the plot had been purchased by Patrick Sweeney, Ms. Lane's brother, in 2021 for £39,000.
Images suggest significant development has occurred on the site, including the surfacing of the entire plot with aggregate material, positioning of a static caravan, and the installation of blue pipes for septic tanks. Water bills for the adjacent cottages reportedly quadrupled, leading residents to believe the travelers had connected to their shared water main. New applications have been submitted for two touring caravans and two static homes on the site, which are currently under consideration by Hertsmere council.
A spokesperson for the Planning Inspectorate stated that inspectors "fully" consider evidence and legislation during appeals, and that enforcement action is a council responsibility. Hertsmere council acknowledged awareness of alleged breaches of conditions, including occupancy restrictions, but has placed its enforcement case on hold while the new planning application is reviewed. The council stated that enforcement action will be considered after the application is determined.
The current application references the site as "grey belt," a policy introduced by the Labour party that modifies rules for building on "poor quality" green belt land. The Watling Street plot has been designated green belt for at least 45 years, having previously been described as a "beautiful haven for birds and wildlife," with numerous past planning applications rejected.