A former Spurs striker has backed a campaign to stop farm buildings being converted into business premises.

Mark Falco, right, of Braintree Green, Rayne, has voiced concerns about the granting of a license to operate heavy goods vehicles from the nearby Lakes Farm.

And the ex-Tottenham Hotspur hero and fellow-residents seem to have scored a victory after Braintree councillors gave the scheme the thumbs down last night.

The former goal-grabber had complained access to the building was totally unsuitable for lorries as the road was a narrow track. He also said the lorry traffic would also cause pollution due to noise and fumes.

The farm - which consists of approximately 20 buildings and barns - is served via a narrow access track off Queenborough Lane.

Vehicles already use the route to get to existing businesses Ford Spares, Dedman Haulage, AL Motors and Rayne Foundry.

Speaking at Thursday night's meeting of the Braintree area planning meeting Dr Abdul Rashid, of Lakes Farm Road, said: "I need unhindered access to the road as I am often asked to attend emergencies. I can forsee this type of traffic on a narrow road would make my task very difficult.

"If anything is coming from the other direction I'll have to wait for it to pass or even reverse."

The application follows enforcement investigation into industrial activity on the site. Braintree area environment and planning committee received five letters of objection - including one from Mr Falco.

Barbara Buchan (Lab, Braintree west) said: "We have to consider the safety of young children who play on the village green. In addition, lorries churn up the village green. The residents have suffered enough."

The firm behind the scheme claim its plan supports business in the area and encourages new contracts to develop.

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