A COUNCIL has backed its decision to hand an enforcement notice to a popular wedding venue but insists it would be "supportive" if it had planning permission.

Braintree Council has come under fire after it took the "heavy handed" decision to serve Stock Street Farm Barn with an enforcement notice.

The venue, which is based in Coggeshall, plays host to events including weddings, live music and film showings.

Since 2016, the barn has been used for leisure activities and the venue says its role is recognised in the Coggeshall Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2021

But the council issued the notice as it claims the venue has been holding events without planning permission.

The enforcement notice prevents any further events taking place.

The council say the site saw a planning application refused in 2017 with the decision being upheld buy a planning inspector.

Reasons for the applications refusal included road safety and harm to the site's heritage.

However, a petition launched by the venue's owner Michael Staines has already attracted 1,800 signatures.

Now Braintree Council has said it would be supportive of the business, if it had planning permission, but has backed its decision to serve an enforcement notice.

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “If the business had planning permission then we would of course be supportive.

"Unfortunately in this case, the business activity is taking place entirely without planning consent.

"A planning application for this site was received in 2017 and was refused on the basis that the activity on the site was leading to harm to heritage assets and highway safety.

"This decision was upheld by an independent planning inspector when the applicant appealed the councils refusal of planning permission.

“As with all planning enforcement cases, those served with enforcement notices have the option to appeal to the planning inspectorate, which we understand the business is exploring.

"We have so far had no confirmation of an appeal being lodged at this stage, however if one is submitted, it will be up to the planning inspectorate to confirm timescales of when any appeal is heard.”

To view the petition, go to bit.ly/3KJcUwO.