A GOLF club has been told it must remove an earth mound which it has created without planning permission.

During heated scenes at a planning committee, Rochford district councillors angrily acc-used Lords Golf Club in Rayleigh of “sticking two fingers up” at the council by going ahead with the work The club, in Hullbridge Road, wanted retrospective planning permission for a U-shaped 1.5m-high earth enclosure with 5m-high netting on top, which was built in the summer and is now grassed over.

The applicants said the mound, which is in the driving range, was needed to help keep balls in the practice area.

The club’s planning adviser, Lee Palmer, said Lords would consider appealing against the decision.

Councillors were worried the materials used to build the mound were contaminated.

They also felt the mound did not require such a large quantity of earth, or all the lorry deliveries required to transport it.

Peter Robinson (Con, Hull-bridge), who led a motion to oppose the application, said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a flagrant disregard for planning all the time I’ve ever been on the council.”

He said the mound was about 574m long and made up of 3,874 cubic metres of earth.

Lesley Butcher (Con, Hullbridge) said officers should test the soil for contamination.

She said: “I’m concerned about what’s been used in the construction of this. Nearby residents have said that pond water has changed colour over the past few months.”

Club bosses insist no waste or biodegradable materials were used in the mound.

A stop notice was served on the golf club by both Rochford District and Essex County councils, as well as a further enforcement notice preventing it from bringing soil on to the site without permission.

The club has been ordered to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court for failing to comply with these notices.

A previous application to re-shape the land was refused by councillors in June last year, because of concerns about the waste material being used.

Mr Palmer said: “The officers’ decision to recommend the proposal for approval shows the planning principle has been agreed.”

If the club fails to remove the controversial mound, then the council will have to take enforcement action to ensure it is done.