Protesters are drawing up a battle plan to fight a housing scheme in their village.

Parkeston Environmental Group (Peg) members have campaigned against development at the end of Una Road for several years and are now set to challenge the latest planning application.

Dave Kirkman, chairman of Peg, said the group had contacted its solicitor about proposals to build 57 homes and a pumping station on the former brickfield.

He said: "We are sharpening our tools and are all ready to go."

The group claims building homes on the land would create serious health and safety issues and damage the character of Parkeston.

During the long-running dispute, campaigners have staged protests to stop contractors clearing the land and organised petitions.

One resident, Denis Saunders, also won a High Court victory over Tendring Council in a case believed to have cost taxpayers about £20,500.

Judge Mr Justice Sullivan found the council was wrong to give permission for houses there. The planning inspectorate also decided that building on the site posed a risk as it was too close to Carless oil refinery.

Barratt Eastern Counties has just submitted revised plans for a new estate the first application since the court case.

Barratt Eastern Counties said plans for the brickfield had been re-worked following Mr Justice Sullivan's ruling

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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