Relief as travelling show winter site plan rejected

But campaigners in Tolleshunt Knights have been warned that the battle is likely to continue.

More than 80 members of the Barnhall Road Action Group filled the council chamber and an overspill area to listen to a short debate over the plan for a site in Barnhall Road.

Maldon District Council councillors did not need long to agree to the officers’ recommendation to refuse the plans by SJ Manning, which is believed to have bought the five-and-a-half acre site for about £100,000.

The proposals would see five pitches on the site, providing accommodation for 13 adults and eight children, as well as housing fairground equipment.

Residents from the village, as well as neighbouring Salcott, Tiptree and Tolleshunt Major, voiced their concerns, with nearly 150 letters of objection being passed to the council.

Many were worried about traffic, although it was not given as a reason for refusal by the council.

Action group member David Bunce said: “I am delighted with the decision, but we are looking forward to Essex County Council doing its own traffic survey and coming out in favour of refusal on highways grounds.

“This is an incredibly dangerous road, at the bottom of a hill with bends either side.

“Traffic visibility is appalling and some of these trailers with fairground equipment can be 100ft long.

“There only needs to be one person to come down there at 60mph to cause a fatality.”

Mr Bunce said he was sure the applicant would appeal.

During the meeting, councillors discussed the matter briefly, but were unanimous in their decision to refuse permission.

Alison Warr (Cons, Tolleshunt D’Arcy) said: “It is nice to see people take interest and the council hopefully doing the right thing. It is simply not the right place for it.”

John Archer (Cons, Purleigh) added: “We have got to provide accommodation for travelling showpeople, we have got to accept that, but I feel the officers have got this 100 per cent correct. It is too isolated.”