COLCHESTER United has admitted using the club training ground on Sunday even though strict planning conditions mean there should be no play.

The club’s youth team used the ground, in Grange Road, in Tiptree, last weekend despite planning conditions which state it cannot be used on Sundays during July.

The club has apologised to residents in an email. 

But Ashley Byrne, who lives near the ground and has spoken out on the noise residents experience during matches and training, has called on Colchester Council to enforce the conditions.

“How many ‘misunderstandings’ do we have to have before the council will enforce its own planning conditions?” he said.

“This is an example of the club doing what it likes and the council letting it and not proceeding with enforcement action.”

It is understood club officials have now been given a simplified version of the permitted hours so conditions are not broken again.

Tim Young, borough councillor responsible for planning, said a warning letter would likely be issued to the club, warning it of its future behaviour.

During July, planning conditions outlined by Colchester Council state players can use the pitches on weekdays between 10am and 5pm, on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, with no use on Sundays.

Colchester United would not comment.