A plot of land has been illegally dug up in Darwen, with council officials sending planning enforcement officers to the site. 

On Tuesday night, people living close to the Lower Darwen recreation ground said they spotted a group who had reportedly dug out a site level with the football pitches.

It is thought that the intention is to place caravans on the Branch Road site, leading to complaints as to whether the actions are lawful.

One person living nearby said: “If no one objects then the council will let this happen.

“The more of us that complain the more chance of it not happening.”

Planning enforcement officers from Blackburn with Darwen Council went to the site on Wednesday to investigate and take relevant action.

Councillor Dave Smith said: “The works are unauthorised, and no planning application has been submitted.

“The council's planning enforcement officers have been on site and are investigating/taking action.”

The land is separate to a parcel of land on Sandy Lane where planning permission has been granted for a bungalow.