Travellers who sparked fury when they concreted over a patch of prime greenbelt land and turned it into a caravan park could now be forced to rip it up.

The rural six-acre site near Burtonwood, Cheshire, was last year transformed into a grey, gravelled compound by heavy machinery that rolled in just hours after it was sold.

Within 72 hours over a Bank Holiday weekend in May, half the field was laid with hard core and a 10ft-high fence sprung up around the perimeter.

Striking photos revealed the rapid transformation from lush green pasture to an unsightly expanse that was within weeks occupied by 13 caravans, four vans, a digger and three cars.

Locals were incensed, fearing that a retrospective planning application would allow the development to remain, as has happened in other cases around the country.

Almost 50 people attended a surgery help by local independent councillor Stuart Mann the next day, and Warrington Borough Council launched an investigation that resulted in a temporary stop notice.

Now, it has emerged that John Very, the new owner of the plot, submitted an application as expected - but could have to tear up the concrete blot after his bid was rejected.

The council is considering their next move, which could be serving an enforcement notice demanding that the site is restored.

‹ Slide me ›

Before and after: Diggers worked through the night to transform the field in Burtonwood village, near Warrington, Cheshire, into a concrete caravan park in less than three days

An excavator can be seen tearing up the grass, with caravans already parked on the far end of the plot

The plans stated the work was for a gypsy and traveller residential site, with four pitches and associated landscaping, and the installation of a farm gate to a footpath on the corner of Tan House Lane and Farmers Lane.

A mix of 16 caravans and mobile homes would be accommodated in the new compound, it said. 

Responding to the rejection of the plans, councillor Stuart Mann said: 'I have always been clear that my concerns relate to any landowner undertaking development works without following the standard planning process.

'Many local residents rightly feel frustrated when they follow the rules, submit applications, and wait for decisions, only to see others act first and apply later.