Mistley Quay fence campaigners' joy at planning decision (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Mistley Quay fence campaigners' joy at planning decision

10:00am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Helen Barnett

Mistley Quay fence campaigners' joy at planning decision

CAMPAIGNERS lobbying against a two metre high fence are celebrating after planning bosses enforced a special law which could see the barrier removed.

Tendring Council permanently activated a rarely used piece of legislation at Mistley Quay after receiving evidence a replacement fence was due to go up at the site, which is in a conservation area.

The move, which was passed on Tuesday evening on, October 2, means quay owners Trent Wharfage would have to apply for permission for any changes or maintenance to the current controversial fence.

A temporary Article 4 Direction was granted in April but was due to expire on October 27.

Trent Wharfage stalled a previous attempt by the council on September 4 with a last minute legal intervention by providing last minute legal documents before the previous attempt on September 4.

Campaign group Free the Quay is delighted at the decision, which it said is a step forward to removing the fence.

Now the group is waiting to hear the outcome of its application to grant the area a village green status, which would see the tall metal fence torn down.