THE owners of a golf club have been told to remove a marquee in their grounds after neighbours complained.

Rochford District Council has told the club to take down the marquee within three months and it has to stop holding any events in it immediately.

Residents bordering the golf club, in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, said there was music and noise coming from the marquee into the early hours.

Shaun Scrutton, Rochford District Council’s Head of Planning and Transportation, said: “We are committed to protecting the environment of the District for our residents and we will not hesitate to take firm action to deal with unauthorised development where it is warranted.

"The council has not taken the decision lightly to issue a Stop Notice in addition to an Enforcement Notice. However, in light of the ongoing complaints we have received, we want to put an end to the disturbance to local residents.”

There is a right of appeal against an enforcement notice which ordered the removal of the marquee but there is no right of appeal against a stop notice which prevents any events or music being played in the marquee.