A group of travellers have sparked outrage after buying a six-acre green belt field near Burtonwood, Cheshire, and transforming it into a gravel car park in just 72 hours. Before and after photos reveal how the plot was dramatically altered over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. In only three days, a 10ft-high wooden fence was erected around the boundary, and half the field was covered with hardcore and gravel.
By early this week, around 13 caravans, four vans, a digger, and three cars were parked on the hardened surface. The unauthorised work prompted a retrospective planning application to be submitted to Warrington Borough Council, which has launched an investigation after nearby residents raised concerns. An enforcement notice has also been issued.
The land was purchased, and caravans with associated vehicles moved onto the site on Friday, May 23. Ward councillors Stuart Mann and Kevin Burgess reported possible planning breaches to Cheshire Police and the council. Scottish Power was called in to carry out an emergency investigation after suspicions arose that there might have been an attempt to illegally tap into the mains electricity supply.
The council confirmed it will “take strong enforcement action within the legal framework,” adding the process has already begun.
Cllr Mann emphasised the landowners’ rights, stating: “It is important for it to be known the people who have done this own the land. Concerns have been raised, and the council needs to ensure that necessary checks and balances have been put in place.”
Local residents expressed their shock on social media. One said: “The transformation is shocking.” Another commented: “It seems they ain’t going anywhere — hopefully they are good neighbours.” One local driver shared a close call: “I had to swerve into the hedges at around 11.50am going up Farmers Lane to avoid a big truck.” Another observed: “They are obviously wanting privacy — the speed that the border fence has been erected is phenomenal.”
Villagers reported continuous work from 6pm on Friday, May 23, through Sunday evening, with excavators digging up half the field and earth being removed by tipper trucks. Bulldozers and heavy goods vehicles were also seen, with activity ongoing through the nights.
The site sits on Farmers Lane at the junction with Tan House Lane. Locals say the land is green belt and strictly for agricultural use only. Despite visits from authorities, further work including a wooden fence and gate installation has been reported, and hard standing has been laid.
Travellers are recognised as an ethnic minority group protected under Equality legislation, which adds complexity to enforcement.
Commenting on the issue, Cllr Mann thanked residents for their patience and support, as well as the many messages he has received. He said he has been in regular contact with Cllr Burgess, who has been handling matters alongside him despite being on holiday. He added: “We are firmly joined at the hip on this issue.”
As the situation now involves a formal legal process, Cllr Mann said he is unable to share further details to maintain the independence of the application and investigation. He confirmed meeting with the council’s chief executive and the MP for Warrington North to raise concerns about the development.
He noted that a retrospective planning application has been received but has yet to be validated. “Any such application must be determined on its relative merits. This will take several weeks,” he said. “Information gathered during this process will inform the enforcement position.”
Warrington Borough Council has confirmed it has established a priority enforcement case over the Burtonwood site but declined to provide full details while waiting on further information.
Cheshire Police have been approached for comment.