Travellers on greenbelt land given a year to restore site by Hyndburn Council - Lancashire

From the Citizen

TRAVELLERS who built a site on greenbelt land have just under a year to restore the land to its original condition.

Approved plans to build a stable, including a tack room and midden, at Moss Lane in Knuzden, instead saw a building with UPVC windows, high and wrought iron gates constructed, alongside hard-standing for caravans.

Hyndburn Council officers issued enforcement notices, and a planning inspector ordered the family living on the land to restore it to greenbelt.

The owner of the land, Elias Smith, has been given until June 19 next year for it to be restored to “its previous lawful condition”.

Six caravans made up the community, which was at the site, bordered by the M65.

Owners at the site had appealed that the group had “no alternative site to move to”, and added that the effect on the greenbelt was ‘limited’.

However, they were ordered to remove portaloos, dog kennels, and a retaining wall they have constructed, and also to restore the site to its previous condition as an open field.