Protesters are trying to overturn a 20-year-old decision that could see houses being built near an oil refinery.
Parkeston Environmental Group (PEG) wants planning permission withdrawn for a brickfield in Una Road, where developers want to build a major estate.
Outline permission was granted for housing there in 1982, but a planning inspector later ruled that the site was unsafe and hazardous.
PEG's solicitor has now asked Tendring Council to overturn the original go-ahead.
Dave Kirkman, chairman of PEG, said developers would keep trying to build there until the outline planning permission was removed.
"The planning inspector said this site simply wasn't safe for houses because of its proximity to Carless oil refinery, so any permission for houses needs to be taken away on that basis alone," he said.
"Until it is quashed, developers will always keep trying to build on a place which is unsafe and it will cost the taxpayer and the council lots of money."
Parkeston residents already have evacuation guidelines in case of an emergency at Carless and PEG is concerned new homes, even closer to the refinery, would be in danger.
Published Friday December 19, 2003
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