PLANS for a lake to be constructed at a former equestrian site have been rejected.

Maldon District Council refused the plans for a lake at Montrose House, in Birchwood Road, Cock Clarks.

The plans looked to build a pond which would cover an area of 1.9 acres.

This is a reapplication following previous plans to build a bigger pond covering 2.4 acres.

The owner of the land hoped to use the pond for fishing.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “Insufficient information has been submitted to conclude the overall size of the proposed earth bunds which would appear as alien, engineered features in an otherwise open and natural landscape and would therefore be visually incongruous within its setting to the detriment of the visual amenity of the countryside.”

There were two public objections to the plans with one person worrying about the traffic noise and pollution caused by the lake being used for commercial purposes.

Another objection from John Cooper said: “We would again like to object to the building of such a lake so close to our authorised equestrian facility.

“We still believe such a lake will inevitably be an attraction and hatchery for mosquitoes which will have a serious impact on our horses and the surrounding area.

“Such a large number of mosquitos this lake will attract will be a constant pest to horses and be detrimental to their physical and mental health and general wellbeing.

“Horses will be constantly bitten, losing appetite and weight that can lead to serious health problems.

“Such a lake will also attract a large number of wildfowl which will also be problematic for equestrian use.

“Our authorised riding arena is within metres of the proposed lake and the noise from a large number of large birds taking off and landing on water is likely to 'spook' horses, leading to the possibility of a rider being thrown from the horse which can cause serious bodily injury.”