Anxious residents aired their concerns about the future of a controversial site in Mountnessing at a packed parish council meeting.

The issue was discussed due to growing disquiet about work which has been undertaken at the Green Belt site in Roman Road and suspicion it may eventually be developed by travellers.

Villagers turned out in force on Monday to find out what action the borough and parish council was taking to halt work they believe contravenes planning regulations.

Around 70 residents crowded into the village hall to speak of their concerns about the site including the installation of fencing, the clearing of shrubs and trees and the construction of an earth mound on a section of the plot bordering the A12.

They said hardcore had also been deposited and a single caravan had moved on to the plot.

Parish council chairman, Cllr David Gottesmann, who fielded questions alongside planning officer Helen Oakenby, said: "A number of issues were raised by the public. Quite naturally they are very concerned about what is going on down there.

"Unfortunately there are no instant solutions due to our planning laws. Brentwood Council officers are taking this very seriously and doing everything they can as quickly as they can. They are visiting the site everyday and are preparing the legal paperwork to present to the people on the site."

Planning officers from Brentwood Borough Council confirmed they were investigating four alleged breaches of planning control. In the past the council has taken action on a number of occasions to halt illegal use of the land.

The issue may be discussed as part of the parish council's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 30.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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