PROTESTERS will march on Colchester Town Hall to make their feelings known about a travellers’ site plan.

The Severalls Lane Action Group has urged people to join the November 4 demonstration against proposals for 12 traveller caravans.

The rally will take place as councillors vote on the scheme.

It is being considered because a three-year time limit on a previously-approved application ran out.

Stuart St Clair Pearce, action group chairman, is angry over removal of hedgerows at the site last week.

He said: “The butchery of our countryside and the flagrant disregard for it has motivated me to stage a march to bring my opposition to the attention of the planning committee.”

More than 1,000 people have objected to the plans submitted to Colchester Council by Essex County Council, which has responsibility for traveller site provision.

Government agency, Natural England, has joined opposition by officially recommending the proposal is refused or deferred.

It is unhappy because Essex County Council has submitted wildlife survey data on bats and great crested newts which dates from before the original 2007 planning application.

Chris Keeling, Natural England species advisor, said: “Due to the time elapsed, the resubmitted survey information may not be sufficient to demonstrate whether or not the development would have an adverse affect on legally-protected species.”

Essex County Council is pressing ahead with the traveller site application because it says it has a duty to accommodate travellers.

Chris Atkins, Colchester pro-traveller campaigner, has warned the proposed site is the wrong type as it will put together gipsies who have settled in the area with others who are just passing through.

She says more permanent private sites and a transit site where travellers can stop off legally for a few days or weeks is needed.