EXCLUSIVE: Probe underway into suspected unauthorised development at Woodham Mortimer traveller site

Council officers are investigating suspected unauthorised development at a traveller site.

Major landscaping work was seen underway at the site off the A414 Maldon Road, at Woodham Mortimer from Tuesday, March 18 2025.

A number of people were seen on site with mini diggers in use and vegetation was being removed with a large fire sending smoke billowing.

The site has permission for two mobile homes after travellers made a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after Maldon Council had earlier refused planning permission and obtained a High Court injunction to prevent any development.

Plans were submitted for two more mobile homes to be added to the site on November 8 last year, but the application has yet to be determined.

The council has received 39 objections from residents, with some claiming that trees and hedgerows have already been removed from the site without permission.

One resident wrote: "During the time that the applicants were on the site there was a massive increase in machinery/vehicle noise, dogs barking, shouting and the constant fumes from fires emanating from the site. With the suggested greater increase in population on the site this is only going to increase the noise and nuisance levels to the existing residents."

The appeal over the previous two mobile homes was won in September 2023, but some residents also claimed that the site has been vacant for much of the time, questioning the claims in the planning applications, that it is desperately needed accommodation for Gypsy and Traveller families.

They also said conditions laid down in the appeal outcome had yet to be complied with.

A Maldon Council spokesperson said: "The council is aware of activities taking place at a site next to the A414 in Woodham Mortimer.

"Part of the site was granted planning permission by appeal for two Gypsy and Traveller pitches in 2023 and an application for a further two pitches has been received and is yet to be determined.

"Both the Council's Environmental Health and Planning Enforcement teams have visited the site as part of investigations into complaints of unauthorised development and pollution activities.

"An Injunction Order was sought by the council and granted by the High Court on the 28th February 2022. Following the granting of the Planning Appeal against refusal of planning permission however on August 21 2023, the council sought to withdraw the Injunction Order. On the 10th October 2023 the High Court issued an Order discontinuing the initial Injunction Order."