Neighbours in a sleepy have been left fuming after travellers paved over a field near their homes in 24 hours. Locals in , said they were stunned after industrial diggers bulldozed through a grass bank and levelled the field on Monday night. The work was carried out without planning permission, according to . It said there are fears the site's transformation into an eyesore is part of a "land-grabbing" trend

A furious local, who hasn't been named, told the same publication: "This is an atrocity...It's devastated the countryside with absolutely no thought for the harm it will cause." The woman, aged 47, said a "massive" JCB tore out the grass bank, which was protected because of nesting birds. She said locals felt "powerless" in the wake of the unlawful development.

A spokesperson from North Devon Council said in a statement: "We have been made aware of a potential breach of planning regulations at this location and our planning enforcement team is currently investigating the matter.

"We are committed to ensuring compliance with planning policy across the district and ensuring the environment is protected for the benefit of all our residents."

News of the alleged land grab comes days after a group of travellers sparked outrage following the purchase of a six-acre field near Burtonwood in Cheshire.

It was in just 72 hours, with before and after photos revealing how the plot was dramatically altered over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

In only three days, a 10ft-high wooden fence was raised around the boundary while half the field was covered with hardcore and gravel.

The unauthorised work led to submission of a retrospective planning application to Warrington Borough Council, which has launched an investigation after nearby residents raised concerns. An enforcement notice has also been issued.

Local councillors Stuart Mann and Kevin Burgess reported possible planning breaches to Cheshire Police and the council.

Scottish Power was called in to carry out an emergency investigation after suspicions arose that there might have been an attempt to illegally tap into the mains electricity supply.

Warrington Borough Council said it has established a priority enforcement case over the Burtonwood site.

In Charles, appalled locals demanded action from North Devon Council to crack down on the unauthorised development.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said they know planning authorities are under pressure and under-staffed but there seems to be an inertia about them in dealing with the situation.

They added: "It's easier to go for retrospective planning than to battle it out...It's setting a dangerous precedent and this will keep happening."