Castle Point Council is claiming £200,000 compensation after a blunder by the Land Registry.
The Government department is accused of wrongly drawing up border lines for the Castle View housing estate, off Somnes Avenue, Canvey.
Council leader Dave Wells claims the error means the outer edges of the estate encroach on council-owned land - an area of scrubland next to Castle Point golf course.
Mr Wells said: "The Land Registry made a mistake and the council is claiming compensation.
"The land is financially very valuable as a building development site. It is not green belt.
"As far as I'm concerned it is an open and shut case. It is clearly our land and it is our responsibility to take compensation for the residents of Castle Point."
Councillor Dave Blackwell also feels the council has a strong case for compensation.
He said: "The Land Registry did not check the deeds of the land properly and has admitted responsibility."
A spokesperson for the Land Registry said: "I can say we will admit an error of original mapping.
"The council has submitted a claim and we are considering it."
Published Friday, February 7, 2003
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