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Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick has written to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner requesting a meeting to discuss the unauthorised encampment on Townshend Avenue in Irby, according to the Wirral Globe.
In a letter Mr Patrick sent on September 17, he asked if the Government believes councils have the necessary tools to protect Green Belt land when alleged planning breaches occur during an active investigation.
According to reports, three traveller families bought the plot of protected Green Belt land in August.
Since the purchase, the site has been gravelled and populated with several caravans and static structures. Wirral Council served the land with a Temporary Stop Order in late August, meaning engineering operations such as laying water pipes and hardstanding had to stop. The order is in place until 22 October.
Mr Patrick told Ms Rayner that residents were increasingly concerned that development activity appeared to be continuing while enforcement proceedings had stalled.
He wrote: "Constituents have questioned whether local authorities possess sufficiently effective powers to prevent potentially unauthorised development being underway before enforcement processes have concluded."
The MP said he would welcome the opportunity to meet with the relevant minister to discuss planning enforcement, protection of Green Belt land, and the support available to local authorities managing complex cases.
"Residents are understandably seeking reassurance that councils have access to appropriate powers, guidance and support where development activity is continuing whilst enforcement processes are underway," he added.
The need for intervention comes shortly after a static home was transported onto the site under a police escort. One resident reportedly told the Globe the sight made it seem as if the police were siding with the new occupants.
However, Merseyside Police reportedly said they were "duty bound" to escort vehicles in situations where road safety could be compromised.
This incident has added tension to Irby. Another resident of the Irby area allegedly told the publication they felt distressed and intimidated by the situation.
Local councillor Mark Skillicorn, who represents the Greasby, Frankby and Irby ward, has previously said he recognised residents wanted "swift action" and that he was pressing for the council's enforcement options to be escalated "as a matter of urgency".
