A LOCAL authority's bid to remove an unofficial Travellers' camp from near a popular park has been put on hold after the landowner appealed the order telling him to clear it of caravans.

He has also applied for planning permission for the unauthorised encampment.

It is on private land to the south of Darwen's Whitehall Park.

In May, Blackburn with Darwen Council responded to complaints about the presence of the half-dozen caravans.

Following detailed investigations, it served an enforcement notice in July as the camp did not have the required planning permission.

It also served a 'stop' notice on the landowner to prevent any more works to facilitate the residential use of the site.

The enforcement notice took effect from August 13 and allows nine months for the residential use of the land to cease, for all caravans to be removed, and for land to be returned to the condition it was prior to the arrival of the unauthorised encampment.

The council has now been notified that the landowner has lodged an appeal against the enforcement notice.

The appeal will be handled by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokeswoman said: "The timescales around the appeals process are outside of the council’s control, so further news on this is awaited from the inspectorate.

"Until the appeal is decided, the process for reinstatement of the land is effectively on hold, however the stop notice remains in place to prevent any further unauthorised development.

"A planning application for the site has also been submitted.

"Once the outstanding information has been received, the application will be published, and neighbouring residents and other consultees will be notified.

"It’s important to note that the timescales on the whole process will depend on the relevant planning application details, the enforcement appeal, and any potential subsequent appeals which may be submitted.

"The council is doing everything within its power to resolve this matter."

The authority has notified all relevant public bodies, including the Environment Agency to check whether a permit has been granted, Natural England and Lancashire Constabulary’s Wildlife Crime Officer, ‘to investigate any damage to protected habitats’.

In the Blackburn with Darwen borough there are currently eight authorised traveller sites to ensure adequate provision is provided.