Hardstanding pitches created on field off Bullpit Road, Balderton, without planning permission

Another apparent Traveller site has begun to take shape in the district without planning permission.

Some building works appear to have taken place at the privately owned field, near the railway crossing at Bullpit Road, Balderton, last week.

No planning permission has been given for works at the site, which now has what appear to be fenced off pitches.

Newark and Sherwood District Council confirmed that over the weekend its officers attended the site to gather information and evidence for potential enforcement action.

It added: “Planning powers to stop unauthorised works are limited to those that could cause ‘serious harm’ such as damage to heritage buildings or major highway concerns. We will continue to share more information in due course.”

District councillors for the area, Johno Lee and Emma Oldham, released a joint statement saying they would “continue to monitor developments” and keep residents informed.

The statement said: “We are aware about activity on Bullpit Road, Balderton, which seems to be escalating.

“Over the past few days, we have observed that aggregate has been brought onto a privately owned field near the railway crossing on Bullpit Road, creating a hard-standing area. Any proposed use of this site as a Traveller encampment would require the appropriate planning permission and a full public consultation. At present, no such permission exists, and no consultation has taken place.

“This represents a clear breach of planning control, and enforcement action now lies with Newark and Sherwood District Council. We have already raised this with the council’s planning enforcement team and will continue to work with them to ensure that enforcement procedures are followed properly and without delay.

“We have raised this with the appropriate council officers and have further escalated to the chief executive and public protection team.

“We are committed to working with both the council and residents to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. Should a retrospective planning application be submitted, we will support the community in responding to it and ensure residents’ views are properly represented.

“Residents must come first, and this situation has shown the importance of acting swiftly on local intelligence. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep residents informed every step of the way.”