A quiet corner of Berkshire has become the center of controversy after travellers began constructing 13 static homes on a patch of land right next to the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston—the UK’s largest nuclear weapons factory.
Residents nearby say they are now living in fear and are calling on authorities to step in before the situation escalates further.
Residents Voice Serious Safety Concerns
People living at Ravenswing, a nearby mobile home park, have described feeling unsafe and anxious as construction continues unabated.
Hundreds have signed a petition demanding urgent intervention from West Berkshire Council, highlighting the distress caused by noise, late-night work, and the presence of heavy machinery operating from early morning until nearly midnight.
Many of these residents are elderly or vulnerable, relying on stability and peace in their daily lives.
Petitioners Highlight Environmental and Safety Risks
The petition stresses that this land is being cleared and developed without proper planning permission.
It claims that construction activity has already caused significant disruption, and there have even been attempts to illegally tap into the residential park’s water and electricity supply.
The petitioners emphasized that their concerns are rooted in legal compliance, public safety, and environmental protection—not targeting any individual or community.
Council Steps Up Legal Action
West Berkshire Council confirmed that it issued a Temporary Stop Notice on November 4, 2025, after a planning application for 13 plots was submitted on November 3.
However, the notice has reportedly been ignored, and construction continues.
The council says it is now exploring legal avenues to halt the work, gathering evidence and reports from residents to support prosecution if necessary.
Calls for Greater Enforcement and Monitoring
Locals are urging the council to increase enforcement presence at the site, monitor noise levels and working hours, and ensure the safety of residents—particularly the elderly and disabled.
Petitioners argue that long construction hours violate community standards and that unauthorized access to utilities shows a blatant disregard for property boundaries and safety laws.
Historic and Sensitive Location Heightens Concern
The site sits opposite the sprawling 750-acre Aldermaston complex, which has been producing nuclear warheads since the 1950s and has historically drawn both high-profile visitors and anti-nuclear demonstrations.
The proximity to such a sensitive facility has amplified residents’ fears, making the issue a matter of public safety as well as planning compliance.
Council Collaboration with Police and Defense Authorities
West Berkshire Council has requested ongoing support from Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police to ensure public safety.
Both agencies have received multiple calls from residents, and the council says it will continue coordinating closely with law enforcement while pursuing civil planning enforcement.
The Situation Remains Unresolved
For now, construction is continuing despite the Stop Notice.
Residents remain anxious about their safety, environmental damage, and potential unregulated development.
The council insists that it is acting swiftly to enforce the law but notes that its powers are limited, making cooperation with police and defense authorities critical.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn