ANGRY villagers are demanding enforcement action to restore damaged greenbelt land in Hunnington after delays of almost three months.

The privately-owned site in Bromsgrove Road has had a huge hole dug for landfill, leaving neighbours with eyesore mounds of earth up to 16ft high.

Landowner Richard McIntosh withdrew a planning application seeking permission for landfill and to build a nine stable equestrian centre in June.

Bromsgrove District Council officers had ruled that work already started on the site was in breach of planning control and have been considering enforcement action since the application was dropped.

Neighbour Tony Durrell accused the council of treating residents like “imbeciles”.

He said: “This has gone past a joke – it seems they think if they ignore us for long enough we’ll go away. We want to know what’s going on.”

Mr Durrell, whose view has been marred by two huge mounds of earth – one of which is now covered in evasive Japanese knotweed – for about 12 months, was told this week it could be another month before the council decides what action to take.

He added: “We really don’t know what’s happening but it’s ridiculous. It’s a long time to be putting up with this when we had a reasonable view before.”

Residents and Hunnington and Romsley parish councils bombarded the district council with objections to the planned equestrian centre saying it was out of character for the area.

They also complained that clearing the site of trees and digging the hole had caused ecological damage.

Mother-of-two Clare Harris, of Bromsgrove Road, accused the council of “lack of transparency” in not keeping residents informed.

She said: “I was under the impression that once the application was withdrawn the enforcement action would begin.

“I cannot see what they have to consider, they have all the information they need.

“The planning application has been withdrawn but the issue is not resolved and the site is an absolute disgrace.”

Mrs Harris also fears Mr McIntosh may face increased costs as a result of the delays which may impact on his ability to carry out the eventual enforcement order.

A council spokesman said: “The council has an active enforcement file and we are working on the appropriate action, including liaising with our technical advisers.

“For legal reasons, the landowner has to be the first to know about any proposed enforcement action but the council will inform the public and the press if and when enforcement action has been taken.”