COUNCIL chiefs are set to wage war on illegal green belt developments across Basildon borough.

Councillors could vote to bulldoze or take out court injunctions at three separate unauthorised sites following a meeting of the development control committee next week.

These sites include illegally-built football pitches behind the Bull pub, London Road, Pitsea, one of the few remaining unauthorised traveller pitches at the Hovefields site, Wickford, and a house built in breach of planning permission at Ramsden Park Farm, in Ramsden Park Road, Ramsden Bellhouse.

Councillors will also vote on what action to take about an illegal scrapyard off the A127 at Wickford, which has been exposed several times by the Echo.

They previously agreed to send in bailiffs to dismantle the site, known as Treetops, but have since discovered it would involve closing the A127 which is too costly. Now they have to reconsider what action to take to stop the use.

All four sites have been served with enforcement notices to return them to green belt and the owners have failed to comply.

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon councillor responsible for the environment, said: “The council is committed to taking action against any unauthorised development in the green belt.

“If landowners refuse to comply with enforcement orders to restore the land, direct action or other action will be taken if necessary.”

Mr Buckley said the council had often been accused of targeting unauthorised developments by travellers.

He added: “This list of sites we are focusing on shows this is not the case.

“We will defend the green belt without fear or favour, regardless of who is responsible.”