A PUBLIC inquiry is set to be held this month to decide to the future of a caravan site in Wickford.

Basildon Council issued three enforcement notices for the site, based on land south of Redlands, Hovefields Drive, as it claims it had not given planning permission.

A total of 11 people have since lodged appeals against the enforcement action and a decision will now be made by the Planning Inspectorate by way of public inquiry.

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The first enforcement notice, served on November 29 2020, alleges:

  • Without planning permission, operational development consisting of the importation of hard-core, scalpings and associated material, the levelling of imported material.
  • Without planning permission, operational development consisting of the laying of additional area of hardstanding, creation of roadways, access routes.
  • Without planning permission, operational development consisting of the creation of subdivided plots by way of the erection of fence posts, fence boards and fencing.

A following notice served on December 4 2020 alleges of, without planning permission, material change of use of the land for the storage of caravans.

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And a third notice served on the same day claimed, without planning permission, the material change in use of the land to the stationing of caravans for residential occupation.

An inspector will host the public inquiry at The Basildon Centre, St George’s Suite, St Martin’s Square on Monday, July 25.

The hearing will get underway from 10am.

Anyone can attend the inquiry and give their views or appoint someone to speak on their behald, at the inspector's discretion.

For more information on how to attend virtually, email appeals@basildon.gov.uk or call 01268 533333.