A PLANNING application has been submitted to legalise work already started on a travellers’ site in Wickford.

The application, submitted by someone only named as “Smith”, is for permission for the change of use of the land to residential so that six traveller pitches together with ancillary hardstanding could be built there.

The 0.7 acre site was a paddock and is located at the end of a track at the end of Hovefields Avenue.

However, travellers started having hardcore delivered to the site earlier this year, despite a High Court order forbidding any development on the greenfield site.

Neighbours reported seeing huge lorries delivering large quantities most days, and even when companies were banned from delivering it, they continued by using private vans and cars.

Currently, there are the beginnings of a site, with some areas marked out as pitches and a building, believed to be a washroom.

According to the planning application, work was started on August 8, 2016, but had stopped on March 27.

However, residents claim work has continued on the site since this date.

The planning documents do not give any more information currently about what is planned for the site, or the proposed layout.

A court case brought by Basildon Council against the development is expected to be heard on June 7.

It is feared that the development could become Dale Farm II.

Last week, one man was jailed and four others fined a total of £8,000 after defying a High Court injunction over land at Silva Lodge Kennels, in Hovefields Avenue/Drive.

Basildon Council secured the injunction in October and it relates to the replacement of touring caravans with static mobile homes.

Planning permission is required for mobile homes in the same way it is needed for houses as they are stationary.

The Silva Lodge Kennels site is slightly further down from where the planning application has been submitted.

Thomas Anderson, as the head of the extended family, was given 35 days in prison.

Eileen Anderson, Winnie Anderson, and Arron Jones were fined £2,500 and

Margaret Anderson received a £500 fine.

Mark Picket was not found guilty of contempt.

Basildon Council, which brought the proceedings, was awarded costs of £17,500.

It is believed this court action has prompted the travellers at land west of Hovefields to submit the planning application.