It's challenging to envision a more serene place than the countryside roads surrounding the Cheshire village of Burtonwood on a summer day, where verdant meadows and horses lounging in dappled sunlight create a picturesque scene.
On the evening of Friday, May 23, the inhabitants of homes scattered along Tan House Lane and the adjacent Farmer’s Lane were eagerly anticipating spending the Bank Holiday weekend in their peaceful retreats. However, they were about to experience quite an unpleasant surprise.
One frustrated resident remarks, 'They arrived in large numbers, truck after truck after truck, throughout the entire night as soon as they started working.' 'It felt like a huge military operation with a never-ending convoy. The noise was intolerable – sleeping was impossible.'
This incursion of machinery, such as bulldozers, is moving towards a six-acre stretch of greenbelt land that was recently obtained by travelers.
When they arrived, the vehicles 'ripped through it', as described by another stunned homeowner residing approximately one hundred yards away.
The equipment was enormous; even some fixtures within the house were trembling," he remarks. "It was terrifying, akin to an earthquake. earthquake Initially, we were unsure about what it was.
Actually, during last month’s bank holiday weekend, a traveler encampment was being constructed—cynically and strategically scheduled to bypass any intervention from the local council, as it would have been closed until the upcoming Tuesday anyway.
The task was completed with such brutal efficiency that within 72 hours of almost continuous effort (the area illuminated vividly at night as described by a local who wishes to remain anonymous, likened to 'Blackpool Illuminations'), what was once a lush and inviting space has transformed into a desolate gravel lot enclosed by an unwelcoming 10-foot-tall wooden barrier.
This method has unfortunately become all too common throughout the nation during bank holiday weekends in recent years.
When officials take a three-day break, travelers boldly seize the opportunity for unauthorized 'land grabs.' They do this either by buying plots or camping on properties they have no right to occupy. In both scenarios, they understand that valuable time is working in their favor.
For the situation in Burtonwood, close to Warrington, everything started on that particular Friday when caravans moved into a distant part of the area around 6 pm, soon after which came the arrival of large construction equipment and lorries. Following this, the actual work commenced.
One person familiar with the situation believes it entailed excavating and disposing of 53 truckloads of earth and then replacing them with an equal amount of aggregate. They also mention, "Considering the equipment used and the fences installed, I would estimate the total expense to be between £40,000 and £50,000."
The triangular piece of land located near Tan House Lane — formerly belonging to previous inhabitants of the town — was listed for sale at £85,000 on the real estate site Rightmove. The description on Rightmove stated: 'Situated amidst the peaceful setting of Burtonwood, this lot offers a unique opportunity to acquire a large paddock.'
It is reported that the former proprietors of the property relocated from the town approximately two years back but retained the six-acre parcel until its recent disposal. They could not be reached for remarks.
The villagers have refrained from blaming them for what occurred since they believe it was impossible to predict the actions of the new owners.
It is believed that at least two local individuals submitted competing bids, reportedly equaling the full asking price, presumably with the intent to convert it into a paddock.
When The Mail visited Burtonwood recently, locals were discussing that the land had been purchased for more than the listed price. Some people claimed that the travelers, or perhaps one among them, reportedly paid £100,000 for it; however, this amount hasn’t been officially verified yet.
It is evident that these travelers—notably possessing substantial financial resources—are determined to make this location their permanent residence. They've named it 'Burtonwood Park,' and proudly displayed this extravagant title using golden letters on a black sign at the camp's entry point, alongside a petite, black, metallic mailbox.
Although their acquisition of the property seems legitimate, by transforming it into a campsite and conducting unauthorized improvements, they have blatantly disregarded zoning laws.
The 'Green Belt' is a renowned conservation measure designed to curb urban expansion, safeguard rural areas, and retain the distinctiveness of current communities.
The travelers informed the villagers that they can proceed as they please since they claim ownership of the land and will be submitting a retroactive planning application.
In the meantime, Warrington Borough Council has acknowledged the 'possible violation of planning regulations' and is investigating both the development and the issuance of an enforcement notice.
On Thursday, they stated: "The national planning framework permits the submission of applications after the fact, and we recognize that the developer might choose to file a legitimate planning request."
The villagers have called the situation 'absurd' and mentioned they do not anticipate the travelers leaving anytime soon – if at all.
'Several council inquiries have lasted for many months in the past. Additionally, if the backdated planning application is denied, the travelers can always appeal and prolong the process further,' explains someone.
The tensions within the village have escalated to such an extent that numerous attendees at a surgical event organized by local independent councilor Stuart Mann—serendipitously scheduled for the day following what was termed as an 'invasion'—were left in tears due to the distressing impact caused by both the abrupt appearance of these newcomers the previous evening and the rapid pace at which the tasks were executed.
A concerned local remarks: "The travelers seem to follow their own set of rules. I have a strong suspicion that they will not be relocated, and we’ll just end up having to deal with them indefinitely. It’s utterly heartbreaking."
'We've put in so much effort to reach this point and own a beautiful home, only for someone to come along and destroy all our achievements in life. This will inevitably decrease property values here, regardless of how attractive these homes may be, or make them challenging to sell. Why would anyone want to relocate close to such an area?'
During the Second World War, Burtonwood gained prominence due to its proximity to a significant US airbase. Today, situated near the M62 motorway, the village boasts a populace of around 3,500 residents. The primary living quarters, along with local pubs and stores, are located at one end of Farmer’s Lane, opposite the site where the traveler caravan park stands.
Naomi Casey, aged 32, who works as an accountant, along with her spouse Kieran Casey, 33, a sales director, have been living in their spacious five-bedroom standalone home for just the past couple of months.
Nestled in an out-of-the-way spot, the approximate value of the structure stood at £750,000.
However, recent developments have overshadowed their hopes for an idyllic relocation to the countryside with their two kids.
Mrs. Casey states: "The night it began, we could hear everything going on throughout Friday. My partner called the police; we didn't manage to get any sleep. They told us this was a matter for the council regarding noise, and we would have to wait until Tuesday when the council resumed operations."
'The travelers hit their timing just right. They understand exactly what needs to be done and when to do it for maximum benefit.'
'We relocated from a Victorian terraced home in Salford because we desired outdoor space for the kids and a more countryside setting. Currently, we're contemplating how this decision might affect our property's resale value.'
'It represented a significant financial commitment for us. There are speculations that the value of their homes might drop by as much as £200,000.'
The proprietors of a different residence, featuring three bedrooms and multiple acres of land valued at around £800,000, expressed their concerns regarding the 'stigma' associated with traveler sites and the potential effect this could have on nearby property values.
Sharon Saunders, a 68-year-old retired legal assistant who has resided in her separate house in the area for 34 years, also harbors worries. She states, "This place is usually very peaceful; we rarely encounter any issues. I've consistently taken my German Shepherd, Tia, for walks on the dirt path in front of where they constructed the camp."
'It's unsettling to go down there now. Concerns linger about property values dropping, as what used to be open fields is changing. Previously, that piece of land was leased for keeping horses. I'm irritated that the local government isn't able to halt these developments faster.'
A local villager overheard one of the travelers discussing with someone at theCo-op store why they had purchased the land; they explained it wasbecause they were tired of constantly being relocated from one parking lotto another.
The villagers are upset because they have stringent planning regulations imposed on them, whereas travelers seem to be able to 'do as they please' without following these rules.
Approximately 120 individuals participated in a gathering with local officials at the community center on Monday. They drew attention to a recent zoning choice that can be reviewed online on the council’s webpage.
The suggestion was to transform a barn located across from where the travellers currently set up their camp, as well as within an area designated as part of the Green Belt, into three homes. However, this plan was denied since the envisioned structures' designs 'would fail to appropriately mirror the rural nature of the region,' which goes against the guidelines outlined in the Warrington Local Plan.
When the Mail visited the traveler encampment on Wednesday – during the week when numerous travelers and Roma people were making their way to the yearly Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria – the diggers and trucks had already departed. The location was vacated by the departed and taken over by 13 caravans, six vans, and two cars instead. Aerial photos revealed that within the area enclosed by the boundary fence, the land is being divided into separate, smaller lots.
When an effort was made to allow travelers the chance to voice their opinions, it was abruptly dismissed, leading them to shut the main gate. That same afternoon, they installed a metal barrier across the dirt path where Ms. Saunders enjoys walking her dog.
Mr. Mann, the local council member, mentioned that the path is designated as a public right of way, and he has reached out to the council’s public rights of way officer regarding this matter. Mr. Mann has taken the lead in addressing resident concerns about the encampment with the Labor-controlled council following receipt of 'hundreds' of messages from concerned citizens.
ScottishPower, responsible for providing electricity to the region and examining suspected unauthorized connections to the main power supply, was likewise notified, according to him. "Being part of this community as well, I am disheartened by what occurred and how it transpired—I trust that all parties concerned will obtain the necessary approvals to modify the usage of their properties."
Nigel Catlow, who serves as the vice chairman of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, has characterized it as a 'highly concerning and rapidly escalating problem.' In his correspondence with the council, he stated: 'It appears that the landowners are significantly violating regulations, taking advantage of the bank holiday when the council will be observing an extended weekend.'
'This issue raises significant concerns among numerous residents and local tax contributors in Burtonwood and the broader region of Warrington West.'
Warrington Borough Council states that they are keeping an eye on the situation, and citizens can freely share their opinions after a legitimate retrospective planning application has been submitted. The council acknowledges that people might have intense feelings about the work carried out as well as any associated planning applications, according to a spokesperson.
'All representations must be submitted in written form to the council, using the information provided in a properly filed application, ensuring they are taken into account during the decision-making process.'
'For now, we will keep monitoring and examining the circumstances on location.'
For now—and possibly for many months to come—it appears that the unfortunate residents of Burtonwood will have to deal with these unwelcome newcomers.
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