{"id":1185364,"date":"2026-09-04T04:16:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T04:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1185364\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T04:16:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T04:16:25","slug":"council-takes-enforcement-action-over-unauthorised-irby-green-belt-works-birkenhead-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1185364\/","title":{"rendered":"Council takes enforcement action over unauthorised Irby green belt works \u2013 Birkenhead News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An \u201cunprecedented scenario\u201d is raising concerns in Wirral. An unauthorised \u201cencampment\u201d on part of the borough\u2019s green belt is facing enforcement action from Wirral Council after a breach of planning control.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In recent days, heavy machinery and caravans have been seen on land off Townshend Avenue in Irby.<\/p>\n

Local councillor and chair of the council\u2019s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Mark Skillicorn, has been providing regular updates to concerned locals over the past week on what he has called an \u201cunauthorised encampment\u201d.<\/p>\n

He has described the situation as \u201can unprecedented scenario for Wirral Council due to the land ownership\u201d. This is because, as the councillor explained, the work is being undertaken by the land\u2019s new owners.<\/p>\n

The local MP, Matthew Patrick, has weighed in on the situation after a significant number of locals contacted him with concerns. The MP wrote to Wirral Council seeking clarification on what enforcement powers are available to the authority. He wrote, \u201cResidents are understandably anxious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding Mr Patrick\u2019s letter, a spokesperson for the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), \u201cWirral Council is actively responding to this situation and has taken initial enforcement action through the serving of a Temporary Stop Notice. This notice requires the cessation of specified operational and engineering works being undertaken on the land, but cannot order the clearance of the site.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is essential that any further action is informed by robust legal advice and takes full account of our duties, enshrined by law, around planning, human rights, welfare and equality.\u201d<\/p>\n

The notice states that without planning permission, activities such as the laying of hardstanding, levelling the land, and the excavation and laying of sewer and water pipes must not take place.<\/p>\n

The notice will last until 22 October.<\/p>\n

Image: GOOGLE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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