PLANS to turn gravel pits into fishing lakes have been refused for the second time.

Jim Purdy applied to Maldon District Council to allow the lakes at the gravel pit in Hall Road, Heybridge to be used for fishing.

The plans would allow a fishing club to be founded on the site with the capacity for up to 80 members.

Mr Purdy’s initial application submitted two years ago for 60 fishing platforms and 54 “swims” at the lakes was refused by the council after 200 objection letters were received.

The plans went before Maldon District Council’s central area planning committee on Wednesday. The application saw 276 people write letters objecting to the plans, as well as objections from Heybridge Parish Council, Maldon Town Council, Natural England, the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Essex Wildlife Trust and Environmental Health.

The committee voted unanimously to refuse the plans, concurring with objectors that the possible risks to the environment and wildlife which populate the site would be too great for the plans to proceed.

Peter Le Grys, agent to Mr Purdy for the application, previously told the Standard that if the plans were refused they would likely appeal the decision.

Representatives for Mr Purdy have been contacted for comment.