THE man behind plans to turn a Heybridge gravel pit into a fishing lake has vowed to fight on until the controversial bid is approved.

Jim Purdy has applied to Maldon District Council to allow the lakes at the gravel pit, in Hall Road, to be used for fishing.

The proposals would allow a fishing club to be founded on the site, with a maximum of 80 members.

A car park with space for ten vehicles would also be improved to allow parking for members.

An initial application submitted in 2016 wanted the lakes to be used for fishing with 60 fishing platforms constructed and 54 swims created.

That was refused by the council, after they received more than 200 letters objecting to the plans from campaign group Friends of Heybridge Gravel Pits. They believe fishing will damage the habitats of the wildlife in the area.

But Mr Purdy described the reasons for refusal as “ridiculous”.

He said: “I have had the land for seven or eight years. The last application was refused because of the platforms, the swims and the car park. It was absolutely ridiculous.

“They said about the bait boat disturbing wildlife which is ridiculous. It is a small little boat that goes out to drop some bait occasionally. But we have taken that out as well.

“If this application is refused then I will be appealing.”

Mr Purdy, believes no more than ten or 20 members would be at the site at any one time.

Although no limit would be placed, and members would be allowed to fish at any time of the day or night.

In 2013, Essex Wildlife Trust said significant problems were being caused by people using the lakes for fishing.

But Mr Purdy argued a fishing club could clamp down on problems and disturbance to the wildlife.

He said: “At the moment, anybody can turn up to the lakes and fish, regardless of whether or not they have permission.

“If the application is allowed then I can control who is or isn’t fishing at a specific time and can put limits on the amount of people fishing at once.”

But John Parish, a member of the friends group, said: “This lake is beautiful and home to a lot of birds. It is a jewel in the crown of the area.

“It just seems a shame. There are lots of places to fish around Maldon.

“Doing it here will disturb the wildlife. I feel that it should be protected.”

The application has been called in by councillor Ian Dobson, and a decision is expected in April.