Furious campaigners fighting plans to build on a conservation area have called for a public referendum after accusing a council of doing deals in secret.
Villagers in Tiptree claim parish councillors kept them in the dark when they drew up plans for a community hall on a ten-acre site off Colchester Road.
The deal hinges on a local landowner also getting the go-ahead for a country house on the site. The parish council last night admitted making the decision behind closed doors.
About 150 residents packed a public meeting in the village.
Protesters lined up to slate the proposals. They urged the council to look for alternative sites and demanded a public vote on the proposals.
Parish chairman John Elliott said it was a unique opportunity to gain land for a community centre for free.
He defended the council's decision to launch the planning bid in secret.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article