12:00pm Friday 19th March 2010
By Lorraine Price
NEW ACTION is being taken in a fight over a controversial fence in Mistley.
Tendring Council has announced it is applying for permission to enforce new rules, which would mean any fences, walls or gates at Mistley Quay would need planning permission.
And any current fences on the site would also need permission to be altered, maintained or improved.
The move comes after months of campaigning from residents in Mistley after owners of the Quay, Trent Wharfage, erected a two metre high fence at the site following health and safety advice in September 2008.
Campaign group, Free the Quay have protested against the metal fence ever since.
Now Tendring Council, which believes the fence is excessive compared to other ports in the area, has applied for an Article Four Direction.
Sarah Candy, Tendring’s cabinet member for planning, welcomed the move which she said would mean much greater controls at the quayside.
“The existing fence has angered many people who had previously enjoyed uninterrupted access to the water and an unrestricted view over the Stour Estuary,” she said.
“On top of this, in October 2009, an emergency rescue from the river was impeded by the fence and the council fears a similar situation could arise in the future.”
Mrs Candy added that putting up any structures two metres high without proper planning controls could seriously affect the character and appearance of the Manningtree and Mistley Conservation Area.
“The fact that the fence is also clearly able to be seen from the High Street damages the Conservation Area and the setting of listed buildings in this area,” she said.
“The council is therefore using its powers to make an Article 4 Direction to control walls, gates or fencing along the quayside.
“This new way forward has been achieved through partnership working between Tendring’s planning service, Essex County Council and the community.”
The current fence at the quay was put up under permitted development rights but the new rules would mean any new fences put up would have to be given approval by Tendring Council’s planning department.
Kate Worsley, spokesperson for Free the Quay, said: “Free the Quay whole-heartedly welcomes this very positive development, which is thanks to the ongoing efforts of our local councils working with the local and sailing communities to reopen the Quay.”
The Article Four Direction is being submitted to the Secretary of State for communities and local government for approval.
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