CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace a touring caravan and tent site with 26 static caravans have been withdrawn.

Bosses at Park Holidays UK submitted a bid to install the static caravans on its green space surrounding The Sandbank Pub and Restaurant in West Mersea.

The almost five acre site off Seaview Avenue is currently used by touring caravans and campers pitching up tents for the night.

But the blueprints proposed on January 16 lasted just two months after being met with a raft of opposition before they were withdrawn on Friday.

Gazette: Plans - the proposal would have seen extra static caravans installed at the sitePlans - the proposal would have seen extra static caravans installed at the site (Image: Newsquest)

The news has been welcomed by Mersea councillor Patricia Moore who 'called in' the planning application when it was submitted.

“The plans went against the Neighbourhood Plan and I am very keen that all Neighbourhood Plans be respected,” she said.

“The island is now very short of touring sites as they are being replaced by permanent ones, so I am glad that the facility is still here for some touring caravans and tents.

“It is good for Mersea that the plans have been withdrawn. Whether they are withdrawn for good or whether they will come back in another form we shall wait and see.”

Gazette: Aerial view - the earmarked land surrounding The Sandbank Pub and RestaurantAerial view - the earmarked land surrounding The Sandbank Pub and Restaurant (Image: Google)

The holiday park already has a licence for 299 static caravans and 120 touring visitors on an overall space of 32 acres.

Documents submitted to Colchester Council reveal planners admitted the site is “likely to liable tidal flooding”.

In response to fears extra static caravans would be impacted by this, Park Holidays vowed to adopt a new surface water management strategy.

The new caravans would also have had been raised a minimum of 60cm off the ground to ensure they do not move should the site be flooded.

Gazette: Controversial - the static caravans would have been installed around The SandbankControversial - the static caravans would have been installed around The Sandbank (Image: Newsquest)

But there were still concerns about the application.

A statement from West Mersea Town Council said the extra caravans “will present further demands on the island’s primary health care”.

It added: “Siting of a further 26 static [caravans] will present more pressure on already congested local roads since, because of their size, there is disruption and blockages when they are brought to the site.”