they may own the land as mentioned, but that doesn't give them, or indeed anyone the right to build on it without the councils planning permission. You have to jump through hoops to get even the tiniest change to your property, and i believe most people abide by the law, and go the proper route. Not buy up land, and then start building where they choose. Surely the money it's cost, and time time it's taken this could have been sorted a lot sooner. Which ever way this turn out, i can see them getting what they want, as the council is going to look hard hearted bar stewards, so sympathy swings to the travellers.