Local residents in Berkshire are demanding urgent intervention after a group of travellers established 13 static homes on an illegal site adjacent to Britain's largest nuclear weapons factory. The unauthorised development has sparked significant safety concerns among the community living near the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston.
Community Outcry and Safety Fears
Residents of Ravenswing, a nearby residential park consisting of mobile homes, have expressed profound anxiety about the situation unfolding in the forested land behind their properties. More than 600 people have signed a petition calling for immediate action to halt the construction work that began in early November.
The petition organisers stated: 'This land is currently being cleared and built on without planning permission, with the intention of installing multiple static homes. Anxious locals say they have been left fearing for their safety and are calling for the council to step in.'
Construction machinery has been operating from 6am until nearly midnight, causing serious disruption, noise pollution, and distress to nearby residents. Many affected individuals are older, vulnerable, and rely on peace and stability in their community.
Council Response and Legal Action
West Berkshire Council has confirmed that despite issuing a temporary stop notice on November 4th, unauthorised work has continued at the site. The landowner had submitted a planning application for the 13 plots on November 3rd, but development proceeded without proper authorisation.
A council spokesperson acknowledged the distress caused to residents, particularly given 'the scale and intensity of the activity over recent days.' They confirmed that the temporary stop notice remains in force but is being regularly breached, prompting the council to gather evidence for potential prosecution.
'Planning enforcement is a civil process and the council does not have automatic legal powers to remove people from land,' the spokesperson explained, highlighting the limitations of their authority in this situation.
Additional Security Concerns
The situation escalated further when attempts were made to illegally access the residential park's water and electricity supply, causing additional alarm among residents. This unauthorised access to utilities demonstrated clear disregard for property boundaries and safety laws, according to the petition.
The council has requested ongoing support from Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police regarding site activity and public safety. Both agencies have received numerous calls from concerned residents about the development.
Residents emphasised that their petition 'is not against individuals or groups based on identity; it is about legal compliance, safety, and environmental protection.' They're calling for increased enforcement presence to monitor noise, working hours, and land use activity while ensuring protection for vulnerable and elderly residents.
The Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, which spans 750 acres and opened in the 1950s, represents one of Britain's most sensitive security sites. The facility has historically attracted both royal visits and anti-nuclear demonstrations, making the current illegal development particularly concerning for local authorities and residents alike.
