The owner of controversial High Ongar conference centre Mulberry House has hit out at critics opposed to its expansion plans.

Toot Hill businessman Ray George insists the claims made about his proposals to stage functions for 100s of visitors, particularly by members of High Ongar parish council, do not represent the opinions of locals.

He said: "As our facilities have developed so have our needs. But we have found things very difficult because of objections from a few local residents.

"Many of the events we run are not for profit. Mulberry House is for the use of the community, not just our own staff, which is why I am so incensed by this campaign.

"We could move away, and local residents could be left with an organisation that had no local links whatever."

Now Mr George, who owns Loughton-based PFE International, has announced he is set to apply for a judicial review against a Epping Forest District Council notice banning the use of the site for anything other than as a conference centre and Christian retreat.

Mr George said: "We believe we have grounds to challenge this notice, and that following a judicial review the truth will become known."

Mulberry House has provoked outrage from some local people after submitting a number of planning applications challenging the terms of its existing planning permission.

These include applications for a change of use and an increase in the numbers permitted on site, in addition to proposals for a sports pavilion and a new drive exiting onto The Street rather than the A414.

If successful, Mulberry House's change of use application would permit wedding receptions and functions for up to 180 people to be held on site.

Defending the plans, Mr George cited a number of community projects taking place on site, the cost of which is subsidised by the Mulberry House Ministry Trust.

These include craft days and an 'over-55s' lunch held every two weeks. A 'Friends and Fellowship' evening for single people is held once a month.

An approved counselling service for children, families, and divorcees is based at the house and a mini-bus is provided for the use of local groups.

Mr George claimed that additional revenue from wedding receptions and similar events would help subsidise further community projects.

But following a meeting of High Ongar parish council representatives and planning officials on Monday, at which the proposals were discussed, parish councillor Derek Berwin announced a protest meeting to be held in the village hall at 7.30pm on August 15.

He said: "We are fighting the commercialisation of our village."

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