A FORMER kennels could be turned into a caravan park as legal action over expanding traveller sites rumbles on.

Shrewsbury-based agents Green Planning Studio have submitted an application to Basildon Council on behalf of William Casey to change the use of land adjacent to Jessomine, Hovefields Avenue, Wickford, to allow nine caravans to be permanently based there.

The land was previously used as greyhound kennels. According to the application, the caravans will be based there for residential purposes, together with parking and hardstanding.

Although surrounded by greenbelt land, the site has previously been built on so it is considered brownfield.

Planning documents read: “Although the site is technically in planning terms defined as countryside, the proposed development would not encroach into the countryside as it utilises previously developed land and reduces the amount of existing hardstanding on the site.

“The proposal would also not compromise the first two purposes of the green belt in that it would not cause unrestricted urban sprawl or cause neighbouring towns to merge.”

Planning documents claim the development would not encroach on the green belt and would actually benefit it -creating a more open area without the kennel buildings.

The documents claim that, if permitted, the development will help the area economically, socially and environmentally.

The application suggests a condition is put on the permission if it is granted, stating that only nine caravans of certain dimensions can be stationed on the land.

Basildon Council is currently taking enforcement action after injunctions banning further development on two traveller sites off Hovefields Avenue were breached.

The next High Court hearing date in relation to a site dubbed Dale Farm Mark II will be July 26.

A retrospective application to build six traveller pitches with hardstanding on land west of Hovefields as been declined by Basildon Council while court proceedings take place.