Travellers Ordered to Remove Structures from Protected Green Belt Land

Wirral Council has served a formal enforcement notice ordering a group of travellers to remove caravans, fencing, and excavated groundwork from a protected green belt site in Irby, Merseyside. The order follows an unauthorized encampment and significant alterations to the land on Townshend Avenue, which locals reported occurred shortly after the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Aerial images of the 0.9-acre plot revealed four caravans, a building with astroturf, and several vehicles on the site, alongside a ten-foot wooden fence that was erected without prior planning permission. The council launched an investigation and issued a temporary stop notice on August 28. The subsequent enforcement notice, served on October 21, requires the travellers to cease residential use of the land, remove all associated structures and infrastructure, and restore the site by ripping up groundwork and re-seeding the soil.

Councillor Mark Skillicorn stated that the local authority has been working to address residents' concerns. "The notice requires the residential use of the land to cease, the caravans and associated infrastructure to be removed, and the land to be restored," he said. While the notice allows up to 12 months for the removal of main structures and an additional two months for land restoration, the exact timescale for compliance could not be shared due to legal obligations concerning human rights and equality legislation.

Local residents expressed outrage and concern over the developments, fearing it was part of a 'land grab' trend where travellers occupy land during bank holidays when council offices are closed. Conservative campaigner David Fairbairn welcomed the council's action, calling for continued vigilance in protecting the green belt. "I hope they now remain vigilant in maintaining the integrity of the planning process and protecting green belt land," he commented.

Merseyside Police had previously escorted a large caravan onto the site, explaining they are duty-bound to escort vehicles that may pose a safety risk due to their size or weight. The plot of land, protected under government regulations, can be developed with the correct planning permission. The freehold for the plot was previously listed for sale with a guide price of £90,000 to £100,000, but the listing has since been removed, suggesting it may have been legally purchased by the travellers.

A Wirral Council spokesperson confirmed the enforcement notice, stating, "Officers will continue to monitor the site as the formal process progresses."