CAMPAIGNERS say they are thrilled after the “Great Wall of Bradwell” was ordered to be taken down.

Port Flair has applied to Maldon District Council for the “earth enclosure” at the entrance to Bradwell Marina in Waterside Road.

It claimed the embankment, as high as 1.9 metres in places, was needed for security and to enhance the entrance to the marina.

But residents, who nicknamed the banks the Great Wall of Bradwell, complained to the council after the banks were constructed without permission.

Campaign group Bradwell Against the Caravan Site claimed the banks were put up after residents objected to Strutt and Parker’s plans to change the land on Waterside Road into a caravan park.

A planning statement prepared by Stanfords said it had not been aware there was a restriction preventing alterations to the waterside.

On Monday planning officers at Maldon District Council rejected the bid. The refusal notice said: “The inappropriate siting, scale and bulk of the earth mound have resulted in an intrusive and incongruous development in a prominent location within the street scene, loss of intrinsic public vistas towards the river and thus, caused substantial and demonstrable harm to the detriment of the character and appearance of the site and wider area.”

A spokesman for Bradwell Against the Caravan Site said: “We are happy the council has seen the application for what it is. Our concern is whether the applicant will continue to apply.

“We are considering going to the parish council about having a development plan put in place for the village – with any luck it would give us some input as to developments in the future.”

Port Flair was unavailable for comment.