CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a Heybridge gravel pit into a fishing lake is set to be refused for the second time.

Jim Purdy has 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 new plans were set to go before the council’s central area planning committee on Wednesday where they were recommended for refusal, with 276 letters of objection and one letter of support.

Additionally, the plans face objection from Heybridge Parish Council, Maldon Town Council, Natural England, the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Essex Wildlife Trust and Environmental Health.

Most of the objectors concurred that the possible risks to the environment and wildlife which populate the site would be too great for the plans to proceed.

The RSPB and Natural England stating it would severely disrupt the birds residing in the Special Protection Area (SPA) of the nearby Blackwater Estuary.

Environmental Health highlighted that no noise impact assessment had been provided, with no indication at all on how the noise generated from the fishing lakes would affect neighbouring residential properties.

Objection letters from members of the public stated issues such as litter and sanitary problems, the lack of parking in Heybridge Basin and that it would be harming residents’ privacy.

The one supporting letter stated the area had been used for fishing for five years which saw no reduction in bird life, despite offering no evidence to support the claim.

In her report, case officer Kathryn Mathews said: “The information which has been submitted as part of the application fails to demonstrate that the proposal would not have a direct, adverse effect on the interest features of the local, national and European designated sites at and within the vicinity of the site and protected species.

“The proposal would result in harm to the character and appearance of the area through a loss of vegetation and the increased provision and formalization of the car parking area required.

“Moreover, insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the proposed toilet/shower block would not cause harm the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area.

“The car parking proposed on site is insufficient, failing to accommodate the demand generated by the proposed use of the site.”