A group of travelers is in the process of constructing 13 static homes on an unauthorized site adjacent to the UK’s largest nuclear weapons facility.
Concerned residents in the area have expressed their alarm and are urging local authorities to halt the development opposite the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston in Berkshire. Their primary worry is the potential safety risks posed by this proximity.
Since work commenced on the 13 plots near the extensive campus, which is one of the three sites in the UK responsible for producing nuclear warheads, a petition has garnered hundreds of signatures from those opposed to the project.
West Berkshire Council initially issued a temporary ‘stop notice’ to the developers following the submission of a planning application. Despite this, unauthorized construction has persisted, as confirmed by a council spokesperson.
Residents of the nearby Ravenswing residential park, consisting of mobile homes, are ramping up pressure on the council to take immediate action against what they describe as ‘ongoing, unapproved development’ on the wooded land behind their community.
The council has indicated it is currently evaluating its legal options to address the situation.
A petition set up by residents has garnered more than 600 signatures.
Its authors said: ‘This land is currently being cleared and built on without planning permission, with the intention of installing multiple static homes (approximately 13 plots).
‘Anxious’ locals say they have been left ‘fearing for their safety’ and are calling for the council to step in to stop construction on land opposite the Atomic Weapons Establishment’s Aldermaston campus in Berkshire
West Berkshire Council issued a temporary stop notice but work has continued unauthorised since the beginning of November
‘Construction machinery is operating from 6am until nearly midnight, causing serious disruption, noise pollution, and distress to nearby residents – many of whom are older, vulnerable, and rely on peace, safety, and stability.
‘In addition to the disturbance, recently, attempts were also made to illegally access residential park’s water and electricity supply, causing further alarm and safety concerns.
‘This situation has left our community feeling unsafe, anxious, and unprotected. We urgently need intervention to stop further environmental harm, prevent unregulated development, and ensure the wellbeing of residents in local area.’
The petition, which has more than 600 signatures, said it was calling upon the authorities to ‘immediately halt all construction and land development’ until proper planning permissions were in place.
Locals are demanding an increase in local enforcement presence, including monitoring of noise, working hours, and land use activity.
They are also calling for the safety and protection of residents, to be ensured ‘particularly vulnerable and elderly individuals who are currently distressed by the situation.’
The residents added: ‘This is not a petition against individuals or groups based on identity; it is about legal compliance, safety, and environmental protection.
‘Long construction hours violate typical acceptable noise and community disruption standards.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition afterillegal building work began on 13 static plots next to the sprawling campus
Locals at a nearby residential park have expressed concern at the loss of woodland and long construction hours from 6am until midnight
Prince Philip is pictured visiting the site, then run by Associated Electrical Industries, at Aldermaston in 1959
‘Unauthorised access to utilities demonstrates clear disregard for property boundaries and safety laws.
‘Residents feel intimidated and fearful, affecting daily quality of life and health – especially among elderly and disabled individuals who make up the majority of the immediate area.’
West Berkshire Council said it has been gathering evidence and reports from residents to support urgent escalation of the case.
The landowner put in a planning application on November 3 for 13 plots, the council said.
But unauthorised works have continued despite a Temporary Stop Notice being served on November 4.
The site is located opposite a factory run by Atomic Weapons Establishment thought to be the UK’s largest manufacturing hub for nuclear weapons.
The 750-acre site, opened in the 1950s, was famously visited by Prince Philip but has also been the subject of anti-nuclear demonstrations in the past.
A council spokesperson said: ‘We fully understand how distressing this has been for nearby residents, particularly given the scale and intensity of the activity over recent days.
‘We served a temporary stop notice on 4th November 2025 and this remains in force.
‘We are aware that this is continuing to be breached and work on site has not stopped, so we are continuing to gather the required evidence for a prosecution case.’
Planning enforcement is a civil process and the council does not have automatic legal powers to remove people from land.
‘We have requested ongoing support from Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police regarding site activity and public safety,’ added the council.
‘Both agencies have received numerous calls from residents, and we will continue to press for coordination where their powers are engaged.’
