Backing for a permanent travellers' site in Colchester has scraped through to the next stage

Colchester Council's cabinet was split, but a recommendation that land to the east of Severalls Lane be offered to Essex County Council was passed.

At a packed meeting in the Moot Hall, 300 people heard chairman John Jowers (Con, West Mersea) declare: "This is the culmination of a long, emotional and tortuous process."

But residents and nearby businesses were furious.

Paul Baker, boss of Rapid Electronics, said if the site was used by travellers a development of his company, creating 300 jobs, would not go ahead. "All I can see is this destroying local industry," he said.

Four councillors backed the recommendation, two voted against it and two abstained, meaning it was approved.

If Essex County Council accepts the recommendation, it will have to apply for planning permission.

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Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

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