They had been accused of building a permanent site without the proper permission, after buying the field in Pangbourne, Berkshire, in May.

They later submitted an application to turn the field into a "gypsy caravan site" but key information was missing.

The travellers had to provide the details before 1700 BST on Wednesday - which they did - to avoid eviction.

We have not taken enforcement action so far because it may ultimately have to be sanctioned by the courts, and they will not do that while planning issues remain unresolved West Berkshire District Council

A statement issued by West Berkshire District Council said: "We have taken a very firm line on this and insisted the outstanding information needed for the planning application is provided by the deadline of Wednesday.

"That stance has succeeded and the information has arrived."

Planning officers are currently checking the application to establish whether it is valid.

If so, travellers would then have to wait up to 10 weeks for a decision from the council's planning committee - which they could appeal if it were turned down.

Reading West MP Martin Salter says local residents feel the council failed to act to stop building going ahead.

But the council defended its position, saying: "We have not taken enforcement action so far because it may ultimately have to be sanctioned by the courts, and they will not do that while planning issues remain unresolved."