A metal fence around the footpath and wall of the former Paxmans Social Club in Colchester has been in place for a year.
A furious councillor has posted a "Not a Happy Birthday" card on the fence of the Edward Paxman Memorial Club site on Hythe Hill.
The site has been the subject of dispute, arson attacks and vandalism since it was vacated in March 2001.
It had been sold to developers Jaygate Land Development in December 2001.
Last January, Colchester Council moved in saying the listed wall, which forms part of the northern edge of the Hythe conservation area, could pose a risk to pedestrians because it was bulging and leaning.
But councillor Don Quinn, who posted the birthday card, said: "When the developers took over the property, they said the 10ft high wall running along the footpath was dangerous and, of course, it is difficult to argue with that.
"The fence went up and I was outraged about this.
"I objected to the council agreeing to the footpath being fenced off. There are a number of businesses in that area and a post office. Here we are a year later and the wall hasn't fallen down."
The developers submitted detailed architect drawings to the council last June in a bid to revamp the site into a major residential area.
Three months later, they lodged a formal appeal against the council for taking too long to make a decision. They finally gained planning permission in October for 92 homes.
Company chairman Peter Edmondson said it was hoped to complete a conditional planning agreement either this week or next.
"With the best will in the world, it will be early spring before people should start seeing the resolution to this with the wall and fence coming down and construction starting."
He said negotiations were completed at the time consent was granted by the county council and local authority had to do the legal work.
He added there had been a minor contamination issue with the land as it used to be the dumping ground for filings from the Paxmans diesel works.
"Because of this, we had to have decontamination reports and environmental studies done and this has taken some time."
Published Friday, January 24, 2003
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