VILLAGERS fear more work is being carried out on land they suspect is being turned into a ‘traveller site’ after a new security camera was installed despite a council warning.
Villagers in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, fear a traveller site is being established on land near the junction of the A44 Evesham Road and Stonebow Road after the arrival of caravans, work vehicles and now a security camera pointing towards the main road.
OBSCURED: A mobile home on the site viewed from the A44 Evesham Road near the Drakes Broughton on Stonebow Road (Image: Newsquest)
The work has been undertaken despite a stop notice issued by Wychavon District Council last month intended to halt unauthorised development. A temporary stop notice was issued on July 27, with compliance due on September 21.
Security camera points towards main road
The Worcester News has visited the site, which is behind a padlocked gate, to speak to one of the developers. However, there was nobody there.
READ MORE: Fears of traveller site grow at A44 near Drakes Broughton
Near the entrance, attached to one of the new wooden fences is what appears to be a Reolink OMVI 3i security camera. Because of a high wooden perimeter fence and vegetation, much of the activity on site is screened from the road, although no work was taking place when we arrived on Wednesday.
ACTIVITY: A mound of earth piled near the site entrance at Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton (Image: Newsquest)
A resident said he was concerned the site was being turned into a ‘new illegal traveller site’ and that he had seen CCTV and an electric gateway being installed despite the notice.
‘Two fingers’ to council after notice
He added: “Despite a 60 day stop enforcement from Wychavon District Council, prohibiting the further laying of hardstanding, halting the construction of the wooden fencing around the site and further caravans being parked within the illegal compound, this has been completely ignored and all of this work has been carried out.
READ MORE: Enforcement as caravans on site off A44 Drakes Broughton
“The installation of CCTV and an electric gate is seen as being two fingers up to the local district council and local residents. It is absolutely ridiculous. Wychavon District Council seem either completely unwilling or completely unable to arrest this illegal development.”
BIRDSEYE: An aerial photo shows caravans at the Drakes Broughton site at the junction of the A44 Evesham Road and Stonebow Road (Image: Supplied)
The site first drew attention on July 26 when activity was reported on the land.
Since then, more caravans and vehicles have appeared, and construction has continued despite the stop notice.
Aerial photos show several new caravans, camper vans and cars on the site.
Caravans, sun loungers and deck chairs
Residents have also reported the installation of a shed, astro-turf, sun loungers, and deck chairs.
Ian MacLeod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at Wychavon, said: “We are aware of the work that has taken place at the site and are investigating it.
“The Temporary Stop Notice only applies to certain activities that were taking place when it was issued. In this case, it stops any further laying of hardstanding, the siting of additional caravans and the erection of more fencing.
“The installation of a gate and CCTV are not covered by the Temporary Stop Notice. However, we continue to monitor the site and investigate any possible breaches of planning rules.”
He confirmed the council is aware of the ongoing activity and is investigating further.
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Mr MacLeod said in a previous statement: “We’re aware of the additional activity on site and are investigating.
“The temporary stop notice remains in place.”
He explained that the council took enforcement action as soon as it was legally able to do so.
Mr MacLeod said: “Planning enforcement action was taken at the earliest opportunity once officers were able to assess the site and complete the necessary legal process.
“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.
“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.
“We are also liaising with the relevant partner organisations where issues fall within their regulatory responsibilities.”
Residents have also raised environmental and safety concerns about the site, including flooding risks and the presence of a public footpath that crosses the land.
