A PLAN for a concrete-breaking machine to be used at a farm close to homes in Great Holland has been given a crushing blow.

Frank Sanderson wants to be allowed to continue using land and barns at Focus Farm in Little Clacton Road to store building and landscaping contractors’ equipment and for the storage and use of a mobile concrete crusher.

Neighbour Lucy Margetts, of Vesey Farm, in Little Clacton Road, said the site for crushing would be less than 100 metres from her home.

“Experience has shown that every time the crusher is used the noise and dust is excessive,” she said.

“The noise of the crusher, plus the noise of the digger used to move the hardcore or crushed material means that I cannot enjoy my garden.

“In addition to the noise there is the dust. Every time the crusher is used, dust covers any washing I may have put out, and if I am out in the garden I get concrete dust in my eyes and mouth, and dust gets into my house.

“I also have horses and cows in adjoining fields, and the dust will affect their health, not to mention the health of my four children.”

Town councillor Brian Johnson said the farmland should not be used for crushing concrete.

“It is a farm, and to have crushing is just not acceptable for the people living there,” he said, “Apart from the noise, the terrible dust it will create is dreadful.”

Frinton and Walton Town Council recommended the plans for refusal, but a final decision will be made by Tendring Council.