Southmead residents shocked over van-dweller site plans

Another resident, Kevan Hill, said the site was too close to a new housing estate and a community centre for vulnerable adults.

“We’ve had less than a week to object, there are plenty more brownfield sites they can use, why don’t they use that?

“We were told there would be money set aside for a recreation area for new houses [next door], but nothing was built.”

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “The group occupying the land at Lanercost Road have been part of an unauthorised encampment for some time.

“The Gypsy Roma Traveller team has met with the group on a number of occasions to carry out welfare checks and discuss alternative options. 

“We are in the process of preparing a case to be heard in court, and we hope to be granted a possession order for the land.”