Travellers have begun constructing a caravan site on a protected field in Essex, shortly after concerns regarding potential illegal development were reported.

Rapid Transformation of Wildlife Haven

The four-acre field near Felsted, known as a habitat for protected great crested newts and rare albino fallow deer, underwent a rapid transformation starting Friday evening. This coincided with the Bank Holiday weekend closure of Uttlesford District Council.

Residents' Concerns and Council Response

Residents had previously alerted the council to the vulnerability of the field, anticipating travellers might attempt to establish a site during the holiday. Despite these warnings, the council stated it lacked the authority to intervene proactively.

Reports indicated a nationwide increase in unauthorized caravan site developments over the Easter weekend. Intelligence suggested travellers planned to bring in significant amounts of hardcore material to the Willows Green field, just outside Felsted.

Development Underway

Approximately 30 vehicles, including cars, vans, and heavy machinery like diggers, arrived on the site under the cover of darkness. Workers used floodlights and generators to clear vegetation and lay a base of hardcore and tarmac.

Residents expressed dismay at the continuous noise and illumination throughout the night, and the destruction of habitats.

Criticism of Council Inaction

One resident in his 60s lamented the council’s inaction, stating they ‘just sat back and waited for it to happen,’ and predicted a fully developed caravan park would be visible by Tuesday when the council reopens.

Suggestions for preventative measures included implementing an Article Four Directive or obtaining an emergency injunction, citing the successful example of Basildon Council in 2006.

However, Uttlesford Council advised residents to use the standard online reporting system, stating they could not take action until development began. Residents reported feeling uninformed and unprepared.

Possible Motivations

An insider suggested the recent surge in development may be driven by travellers renting out portions of their sites to migrants and homeless individuals, potentially exacerbating the housing crisis.

Uttlesford Council maintains that, as of Thursday, no planning regulations had been breached.