Wirral Council has confirmed it is monitoring a section of land off Woodlands Road in Irby after a recent change of ownership sparked online speculation and concern among residents.
The council said it was currently dealing with an unauthorised encampment elsewhere in the west Wirral village. Amid rising tensions surrounding activities on green belt land off Townshend Avenue, the council has told the ECHO it is now monitoring the separate plot of land off Woodlands Road.
Residents fear repeat of Townshend Avenue
In recent days, speculation and concern have rippled through Irby Facebook pages as residents fear a repeat of what has occurred off Townshend Avenue, where in late August caravans and heavy machinery appeared. The council has since issued a temporary stop notice (TSN) which required certain operational and engineering works on the land to stop.
The Townshend Avenue situation has been described by local councillor Mark Skillicorn as being an "unprecedented scenario" for Wirral Council. However, there are fears it could now set a precedent, with eyes having turned to Woodlands Road.
Council statement on Woodlands Road
A spokesperson from the council said: "The council is aware of concerns regarding land at Woodlands Road, parts of which have recently changed ownership.
"At the present time, it has not been possible to establish full details of the new owners due to the recent nature of the transaction, but the position is being monitored and reviewed regularly as further information becomes available.
"In the meantime, Wirral Council officers are carrying out regular visits and monitoring the site. Enforcement action can only be considered in response to specific unauthorised development or breaches of planning control having taken place."
The council will be hoping to avoid a similar situation to the one that has transpired at Townshend Avenue, which a resident told the council's planning committee has caused "fear, anxiety, and stress" among locals.
