Overview
- Villagers in Willows Green say a four‑acre field was hardcored and fenced for caravans after council offices shut Friday for the bank holiday weekend, with dozens of lorries and diggers arriving under cover of darkness.
- Uttlesford District Council confirmed a Temporary Stop Notice that requires all work to cease, and officials say they are gathering evidence and pursuing legal steps after reports that activity continued despite the order.
- Police attended for highway obstruction during the rush of vehicles, while residents described threats, sleepless nights, and damage to habitat they say includes protected great crested newts.
- A campaigner for Gypsy and Traveller communities said the families are related landowners seeking a long‑term home and may apply for retrospective planning, arguing that scarce lawful pitches and biased processes leave few options.
- Braintree MP Sir James Cleverly condemned the move as gaming enforcement gaps and pressed ministers, as national debate flared over tougher powers, faster planning enforcement, and the wider shortfall of authorised traveller sites.