TTEMPTS to legalise an unauthorised traveller site have failed.

An application was submitted, and recommended for temporary permission by officers, on a patch of land currently occupied by caravans and owned by travelling families.

Rochford Council threw out the application, despite not having any authorised traveller sites in the borough.

Several caravans and traveller families had pitched up on land opposite Goldsmith Drive, Rayleigh, and subsequently applied for planning permission to create a traveller’s site on the green belt land.

Numerous complaints from residents and councillors followed in response to the application, particularly focussing on the visual impact of the site and damage to the wildlife and green belt.

Planning officers recommended the site be granted five year temporary planning permission.

Concerns had been raised Rochford Council would be forced to approve the plans due to a lack of dedicated traveller sites or other options in the area.

It was suggested the travellers had little choice but to purchase green belt land to live on because the council has not supplied the legal minimum number of sites in the borough.

Despite permission not being granted work has already started on the site.

Fences up to two metres in height have been erected around it, hardstanding has been laid and a cesspit installed.

Town councillor Deborah Mercer said: “Rayleigh Town Council is pleased Rochford Council members refused the planning application for a traveller site in Goldsmith Drive, Rayleigh.

“This is inappropriate development on the green belt and there were numerous objections from residents and Mark Francois MP.

“Rochford District Council is required to provide a site for travellers within the district and their ‘failure of policy’ as identified by the planning inspector has lead to applications such as this and the loss of two recent appeals.

“Rayleigh Town Council has written to Rochford Council to ask them to explain how they intend to take measures to immediately address this situation in order to fulfil their obligations to avoid further applications being submitted by travellers in residential areas on green belt land.”

It is not yet known if an appeal will be launched.