ANGRY villagers have spoken of their concerns about a potential traveller site being built without planning permission.

From last Friday afternoon people living in Little London Road, Silchester witnessed several 20-tonne tipper lorries travelling through the village heading towards the fields behind Rampiers.

It is reported that the land had been sold to an individual in the traveller community and that activity was carried out over the weekend for what looked like the groundwork for a large caravan park.

From a report Silchester Parish Council received from Police Sergeant Sean Stimpson it is believed to be common practice for travellers to start this type of work late on a Friday when there are no planning officers around, then apply for retrospective planning once the work is complete.

Ward councillor for Pamber and Silchester, Cllr Roger Gardiner said: “I am upset that this kind of thing continues to happen.

“From Friday afternoon everything happened so quickly, and I am glad that the borough council has acted so quickly to get the high court injunction in place.

“However, this is still going to be a long process, we just have to hope the borough rejects the application and any appeals.”

North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena said: “These actions that knowingly flout planning laws are completely wrong.

“I have made clear to the borough council that residents want them to sort this out – and fast.

“I am pleased that an interim High Court injunction has been obtained and served at the site.”

On Tuesday, February 21, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was granted an interim injunction from the High Court to halt work.

Head of planning and infrastructure at the borough council Matthew Evans said: “This injunction prevents any further tree removal, laying of hardstanding, bringing onto the land of any other building materials, further caravans, mobile homes or buildings and any other construction work on the land adjacent to and rear of Culhams Mill, Little London Road in Silchester.

“The injunction was served at the site on the evening of Tuesday, February 21.

“It will remain in place pending the outcome of a planning application, appeal or enforcement notice, following consultation and an assessment of the merits of the case.”

Silchester Parish Council is set to hold an extraordinary meeting, taking place in the village hall on Tuesday, February 28 to discuss the issue.