Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly (Image: Getty)
Villagers have described the rapid creation of an alleged illegal traveller site as feeling like a “military operation.” Construction reportedly began within hours of the local council closing for the bank holiday weekend.
Work started on Friday near Willows Green, close to Felsted in Essex, quickly transforming a four-acre field into what residents say is a largely hard-cored site, now hosting multiple caravans and fenced-off plots. According to locals, about 30 lorries arrived under cover of darkness, delivering materials including hardcore, fencing, and septic tanks, with activity continuing intensively over the following days.
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Drone footage shared with the BBC shows the field largely covered in hardstanding, with static and mobile caravans positioned across subdivided plots and new perimeter fencing installed around the site’s edge.
An anonymous resident said: “The scale and speed of the development was breathtaking. It felt like a military operation with no regard for wildlife, drainage, or environmental impact.”
Another local claimed the operation appeared highly coordinated, suggesting those behind the works used a drone to monitor activity in the area.
Tracy Williams, 42, who has lived nearby for around a decade, said: “People in the village have been left really upset, scared, and intimidated by what is happening. It just feels really frustrating and uncomfortable.”
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Ms Williams noted that the disruption had affected sleep and wellbeing across the village, with some claiming the area had been “completely ruined” within days.
Braintree MP and former Home Secretary Sir James Cleverly said: “Those responsible are gaming the system and exploiting gaps in enforcement during out-of-hours periods when councils are closed.”
Mr Cleverly argued the rapid build took advantage of limited oversight over the bank holiday period.
Uttlesford District Council confirmed it was aware of an “alleged unauthorised development” and that officers were gathering evidence before deciding on enforcement action. A council spokesperson said: “The matter is being treated as a priority, and all available statutory options will be considered.”
Planning documents from December indicated a need for approximately 35 traveller pitches across the wider Uttlesford area, reflecting ongoing demand for authorised sites.
Sherrie Smith, founder of Gypsy and Travellers Essex, said she had met those involved in the development, describing them as cousins who owned the land and were seeking to create long-term provision for their families.
Ms Smith said: “They have apologised for the disruption and are attempting to be respectful to neighbours.”
Ms Smith argued that planning processes often leave Gypsy and Traveller communities with limited viable options, leading to retrospective applications as a practical route. She also stated there was no evidence of ancient hedgerows being removed and rejected claims that the group were causing deliberate harm.
Ms Smith said: “I hope that once construction noise ends, residents and site users can eventually live alongside each other in the village.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Uttlesford District Council for comment.