The 65 people living unlawfully at the controversial Haldon Ridge travellers' site could be told they have three years to quit the site – but also encouraged to apply for permission to make the place their home.

Closing the camp immediately could cost Teignbridge Council dear as those made homeless, including 25 children, would require rehousing owing to their 'priority need'.

The hilltop camp, in an Area of Great Landscape Value and close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, was first occupied in 2001 and has grown since.

In 2003, Devon County Council submitted a planning application for a 15-pitch transit site but faced 'significant' opposition including that from English Nature and the Environment Agency.

Since then the camp has been 'tolerated' by the authorities and generally hated by locals.

Unless enforcement action is taken before next July it will have been occupied for ten years, giving travellers the right to stay.

Now, changing legislation gives local authorities in

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