Has a land grab taken place in your area? Email: olivia.christie@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER Published: 18:27 BST, 28 August 2026 | Updated: 18:27 BST, 28 August 2026
Homeowners fear a group of travellers is preparing to wage another Bank Holiday 'land grab' after construction works suddenly got underway on a greenbelt plot of land.In the last 24 hours, a ten-foot wooden fence has been erected and excavation work has begun on a 0.9 acre site in Irby, Merseyside. Three caravans, two diggers, two cars and a van have been seen on the land, which is located just yards from residents' homes. No planning application has been submitted for works to be completed on the site, according to the Wirral Council planning portal.A number of locals believe it is travellers who have bought the land and are conducting the illegal works.They fear it could be the latest example of a 'land grab' - a trend that has seen travellers swoop in to lay pitches over Bank Holiday weekends, when council offices are closed.This gives unscrupulous developers effectively free rein to do what they like until Tuesday morning, by which time concrete has often been laid and caravans moved in. Homeowners fear a group of travellers is preparing to wage a land grab in Irby, Merseyside In the last 24 hours, a ten-foot wooden fence has been erected and excavation work has begun on a 0.9 acre site in Irby, Merseyside An aerial view of the plot of land, which residents fear is being turned into a traveller sitePlanning permission is then sought retrospectively, forcing local authorities to kick them off an area already built over, in frequently lengthy and costly processes. Local Conservative campaigner David Fairbairn said he is 'outraged' by the works in Irby and has since reported it to the council. He said: 'This piece of green belt land has suddenly turned into what looks like a building site almost overnight.'We have checked, and it has got no planning applications.'I have been in touch with the deputy leader of the Conservative group who has reported this to the council at the highest possible level.'And we are now informed that enforcement is on its way. The police have been alerted as well as other agencies.'So I want to see this dealt with quickly, as I know local residents do. I have spoken to a lot of people who are very concerned about this work.'The freehold for the plot was up for sale on the website Home Estate Agents Wirral with a guide price of £90,000 to £100,000.But the listing has since been removed, according to the website.It described the site as an 'excellent opportunity to acquire a parcel of land extending to approximately 0.9 acres' which is 'situated in a highly sought-after location'. Three caravans, two diggers, two cars and a van have been seen on the land Local Conservative campaigner David Fairbairn said he is 'outraged' by the works in Irby and has since reported it to the councilIt said it was surrounded by green space and farmland.The listing said the land falls within the green belt and therefore remains subject to the necessary planning permissions and restrictions.Greenbelt land is protected, but can be built upon with the correct permissions, according to the Government. Councillor Mark Skillicorn said he had reported 'suspicious activity' on what he referred to as the 'potentially unauthorised encampment'.He confirmed officers from the Resettlement Team, ASB Team and Planning Enforcement intended to visit the site.A Wirral Council spokesperson said they are 'aware of the activities taking place on land' and 'are monitoring developments closely'.They added: 'As this is not council-owned land, we do not have powers to seek a Possession Order.'However, we are working with a number of partner agencies to gather relevant information and will look to engage with the landowners before making a decision on the most suitable course of action.'Merseyside Police has been approached for comment.
