THE travellers who built a site on greenbelt land have been ordered to restore the land to its original condition.

Hyndburn Council had approved a plan to build a stable including a tack room and midden, at the Moss Lane site in Knuzden.

However officers discovered that there was a building with UPVC windows, high wrought iron gates, alongside hard-standing for caravans.

The council, who issued enforcement notices, also discovered the ‘midden’ being used as a garage.

Now a Planning Inspector has ordered that the owners has to restore the land to its “previous lawful condition” after they appealed against Hyndburn Council’s enforcements.

Six caravans made up the community which was at the 1.7ha site bordered by the M65.

And owner of the land Elias Smith, appealed to be allowed to stay.

Mr Smith told the appeal that the group had “no alternative site to move to” and added that the effect on the greenbelt was ‘limited’.

However, the Planning Inspector Diane Lewis ordered them to remove portaloos, dog kennels and the storage of vehicles and domestic items.

The Oswaldtwistle councillor Marlene Haworth, who has been campaigning for the site to be restored, said: “We are absolutely delighted. Not only will this mean a victory for residents in Knuzden but it will prevent similar sites across the borough.”

The Inspector’s decision had also stipulated other measures.

These included also removing the unauthorised gates on the western boundary, and to restore the sections of the land “to their previous lawful condition” within 21 days.

Travellers have also been ordered by the Inspector toremove a retaining wall they have constructed and also to restore the site to its previous condition as an open field.