CAMPAIGNERS are calling for “Manningtree’s Berlin Wall” to be pulled down from an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The hulking metal barrier was built as part of the station’s car park extension to provide an extra 226 parking spaces.

For the past year Charles Clover, chairman of the Dedham Vale Society, has been challenging whether it was legally built.

He now claims Tendring Council has admitted it went up without permission.

He said: “It has taken a year and the threat of court action by the Dedham Vale Society for Tendring Council to admit this development was built illegally.

“We are grateful to Tendring Council for getting it right and for taking enforcement action.”

Mr Clover added: “Manningtree’s Berlin Wall must come down. This is a monstrously ugly, garishly lit, urban development, with countless yards of high, brutalist, rusty steel piling.

“It should never have been built in Constable Country and is a detriment to it for as long as it remains.

“Greater Anglia must be made to remove all the offensive features of this illegal development - the cliff face of steel piling and the hideous lighting - and to reinstate the bosky rural character of the area, together with the footpath to Flatford.”

Nigel Chapman, Chairman of Dedham Vale AONB Partnership, said the significant sheet piling, lighting and car park extension have not contributed to the natural beauty of the area.

However, a Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We established through a pre-application inquiry with Tendring Council the proposed development of the car park extension fell within the scope of a permitted development.

“We did not therefore need to obtain full planning permission.

“We will work continue to work with the council to ensure we meet all necessary planning requirements for any projects we undertake.”

A Tendring Council spokesman confirmed the planning service is now reviewing whether the development had the necessary approvals in place at the time of its construction.

He added: “Following complaints made about the car park extension development at Manningtree railway station, the council sought additional advice and has concluded the works do require planning consent, contrary to an initial assessment.

“An investigation is now underway to gather further evidence about the development and its impact, which will determine next steps.

He added: “Manningtree railway station is clearly an important element of the transport network with London and is vital to the economic prosperity of North Essex and South Suffolk, but it is also important the council ensures proper and full consideration is given to any development.

“Given that this investigation work is ongoing, and the review is live, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”