A BID to secure the future of a long abandoned caravan park in the Dengie could be submitted within the next six months, a council meeting heard.

Millfields Caravan Park in Burnham was cleared in 2008 after a hike in fees, which jumped from £1,000 to £1,800, saw many of the tenants pack up and move out.

Tenants were given just 28 days to pay Maldon District Council in full, with only three caravan owners choosing to stay.

In 2011, seven holiday accommodation companies came forward to bid to operate the site with the step forward described as potentially giving “a massive boost” to the tourism industry.

In 2013 the council agreed to look to enter into a lease with Birches Group Limited.

In May last year, the district council’s chief executive Fiona Marshall said the council was on the verge of signing a new lease which would see 71 caravan pitches and new facilities block built. However, since the announcement there has been no significant updates on the site’s future until last week.

At a Burnham Town Council meeting, town and district councillor Peter Elliot said a new application was being drawn up.

He said: “Caravan park operators are hoping to put in a brand new planning application for the Millfields site within the next three to six months.

“There have been significant delays and setbacks to the plans, but it is hoped that, if approved, it will be starting development for the holiday caravanning season next year.”

Richard Holmes, Director for Community and Customers, said “The council is in advanced negotiations with a specialist caravan park operator who is looking to lease the land and to re-establish a caravan park at Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch.

“We will be able to provide more information upon conclusion of these discussions.”

It is hoped the site will then be up and running to benefit Burnham.