FEARS have been raised that two brothers have employed workmen to turn a Fordingbridge field into a permanent site for them to live with their families without planning permission.

The Journal was alerted yesterday that workmen had moved on to the land at Marl Lane the previous day, creating an entrance on to the lane and putting in hedging.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Workmen started digging and putting in non-native hedging, I believe against New Forest District Council Section 4 orders, opening up a new and potentially illegal entry on to the lane, which may have destroyed an ancient tree protected by a tree protection order.”

A planning inquiry was cancelled in April last year after Felix and Miles Connor withdrew their appeal to live on agricultural land at Marl Lane.

The brothers launched their appeal after New Forest District Council rejected their bid to use the land for two mobile homes, with new access and entrance gates, an amenity block, stable block, hard standing and parking at Marl Lane.

They said that a permanent site would allow them to put down roots and access healthcare and schooling for their children.

The plan sparked fury among residents and attracted 300 letters of protest from local people who said they feared it would set a dangerous precedent, and lead to dozens of caravans on the rural spot.

It is unknown if the brothers have sold the land to new owners.

The brothers' planning consultant Robert Tutton said: “The land owners have not been in contact with my practice.”

A district council spokesman said: “The Council is aware of activities taking place at Marl Lane, Fordingbridge, and is visiting the site today to ascertain exactly what they comprise and to identify whether they are a breach of planning control.

“Once this visit has taken place, a decision will be made as to what, if any, action is appropriate and this decision will be taken in the full knowledge of the relevant planning history and the community views as to development in this important and well used rural area.”