VILLAGERS are up in arms over work taking place on land at the corner of Broadoak Lane and Knutsford Road in Mobberley.

Cheshire East councillor Charlotte Leach said she had been ‘inundated’ with calls and emails over the past few days expressing concern about the volume of what she said was unauthorised work taking place on the land.

The site was in the Green Belt, she said, and the works being undertaken did not have planning permission.

She said: “I understand the upset and frustration this has caused local residents, and when works of this kind take place without the relevant permissions and without fear of any repercussions it makes a mockery of the planning system.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Officers have asked those carrying out the work to stop, but clearly there is no intention of doing so.”

She said site visits had taken place by Cheshire East Council’s enforcement team on Monday and Tuesday.

She added: “I attended one of the site visits, and was shocked by the number of trucks that arrived in the short time I was there.

“There are also caravans on site, and it is clear that a number of adults and children are now living there with the intention of staying permanently.

“Discussions are now taking place with the legal department at Cheshire East Council and I will do my utmost to ensure decisive action is taken.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Given the volume of work that has taken place already and conversations I had with those residing on site, I am anticipating that a retrospective planning application will be submitted imminently.

“Once this has been submitted and validated I will be notifying residents."

Cllr Leach has set up an email group to keep residents informed of progress, and is encouraging those who would like to receive regular updates to register by emailing charlotte.leach@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said the council was investigating the matter.