AN urgent probe has been launched after more caravans appeared on land despite orders for work to stop immediately, as a resident says he fears it will become ‘a traveller site’.
Concerns centre on land near the junction of the A44 Evesham Road and Stonebow Road near Drakes Broughton where villagers fear a traveller site could be emerging.
New aerial photos, taken by a drone on Friday, show several new caravans, camper vans and cars on the site despite enforcement action which resulted in a stop notice issued by Wychavon District Council last month.
Initial activity was reported at the site on Sunday, July 26. However, despite the stop notice, more caravans have since appeared and other activity has been reported on the site.
CHANGES: The site at the corner of the A44 Evesham Road and Stonebow Road near Drakes Broughton, resulting in enforcement action, pictured at the end of July when work began (Image: Supplied)
A resident said: “The compound has been completed against the emergency enforcement notice issued by Wychavon District Council. Scaplings and fencing have been finished, more caravans, a shed, astro-turf, sun-loungers and deck chairs. There’s still concern it could be a traveller site and there’s also a public right of way that runs right through the middle of the site.
“It’s quiet at the moment, but people are worried it’s going to get bigger.”
Caravans, fencing and hardcore have been installed on the plot despite a temporary stop notice issued by Wychavon District Council.
READ MORE: Enforcement as caravans on site off A44 Drakes Broughton
Ian MacLeod, director of Planning and Infrastructure for Wychavon, said: “We’re aware of the additional activity on site and are investigating. The temporary stop notice remains in place.”
In a previous statement Mr McLeod said: “Planning enforcement action was taken at the earliest opportunity once officers were able to assess the site and complete the necessary legal process.
EXPANDING: An aerial photo shows more caravans at the Drakes Broughton site at the junction of the A44 Evesham Road and Stonebow Road (Image: Supplied)
“We appreciate residents’ frustrations, but the speed at which the works were carried out means an earlier response is unlikely to have prevented the development from taking place.
“A Temporary Stop Notice has now been issued, preventing any further development or occupation of the site.
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“A retrospective planning application has also been submitted.
“It will now be validated and allocated to a planning officer for consideration through the normal planning process. The outcome of that application will determine the next steps.
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“We are also liaising with the relevant partner organisations where issues fall within their regulatory responsibilities.”
A resident speaking on Monday, July 27 reported seeing three caravans and a mobile home at the site, along with the construction of a “huge fence.”
He said there was ongoing work despite the stop notice, including the installation of large wooden posts and laying of crushed aggregate for a sub-base.
The resident also raised concerns about a public footpath running through the land and claimed the site is prone to flooding, with reports of six to eight inches of standing water.
