THE developer of a residential mobile homes site in Linford is pressing ahead with the scheme after Thurrock Council suddenly pulled its enforcement action.

Last week Thurrock Nub News reported that the council had issued a 'stop notice' against the development at Walton Hall Farm. The notice demanded that work on the site be stopped – with the threat of a £20,000 fine but work carried on at the site.

In a statement issued in November, the council's principal planning officer explained why the council had acted, saying: "There is no planning permission in place for any of the development, which as a reason of its nature and scale is considered to be development for which planning permission is required and is therefore unauthorised development carried out in breach of planning control.

"Officers established that there was occurring operational development involving the construction of substantial concrete pads on the site. 

"There was also concern that a material change of use of some of the land was occurring for the creation of caravan and or mobile home siting by the construction of substantial concrete pads."

She went on to say: "I can confirm that following those investigations, officers prepared and served a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) on 15^th November 2024 against the owners of Waltons Hall Farm."

The council gave permission for some caravans last year. The planning application was approved and signed off by then Director of Place Mark Bradbury on 16 November 2023.

However, the approved plan is for nine units only, and currently the site has 26 concrete pads laid for mobile homes. In total the company's marketing brochure plans 33 mobile homes on the site.

In the stop notice the council said: " "If you then fail to comply with the temporary stop notice you will be at risk of immediate prosecution in the Magistrates' Court, for which the maximum penalty is £20,000 on summary conviction for a first offence and for any subsequent offence. The fine on conviction on indictment is unlimited."

How Monte Carlo plan to develop the site.

Owners of the site, Monte Carlo Parks, appear to ploughed on with work that substantially exceeds the granted planning permission, and in doing so cocked a snoot at the council – yesterday they announced the council was withdrawing the stop notice.

The company took to social media to say: "We're happy to announce that as of Friday, 29 November, Thurrock Council have withdrawn the temporary stop notice on our development at Walton Hall Farm in Essex and work is continuing as planned.

"Show homes will be delivered to the park later this month and we will be welcoming visitors in early 2025".

The company continues to market its site which it describes as "in an idyllic country setting surrounded by lush green landscapes, providing residents with stunning views and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

"The nearby Langdon Hills and Thames Estuary offer picturesque walks and nature trails, perfect for those who cherish the outdoors."

It goes on to say: "Residents will find easy access to essential amenities, including shopping centres, healthcare facilities, and leisure options.

"The development is well-connected to major roads and public transport, making travel to surrounding areas and London hassle-free.

Work has continued apace at the site.

"Stanford-le-Hope boasts a warm and welcoming community. With a variety of local clubs, societies, and events, new residents will find it easy to integrate and make meaningful connections."

Yesterday, in a new statement regarding the stop order, the council says: "Just by way of update, and following legal advice, the Temporary Stop Notice served at Walton Hall Farm on 15 November 2024 was formally withdrawn as of 29^th November as there are no breaches of planning control that could be actioned at this time.  

"We will continue to work with the planning agent for the site to allay any concerns with the residents. If there are any planning breaches in the future, we will work with them and take any appropriate action. 

"As a consequence, the planning enforcement complaint will be closed."

East Tilbury ward councillor, Sue Sammons, says she and resdients are disturbed about what is happened at Walton Hall saying: "There has been a lot of local concern about this site and what is going on there.

"What has happened in the last couple of weeks is very worrying. It appears that the council doesn't know what it is doing - it looks very embarrassing that they went in with the big guns a couple of weeks ago and have now beaten a retreat.

"While the site has planning permission for nine homes, the company is planning on installing and selling 33. That's 22 without planning permission. I wonder if they are telling potential buyers that?"

The proposed site of the football surface that was rejected.

Earlier this year the council refused a planning application for a 25m x 15m astro football pitch at the Walton Hall site to be used for community/youth indoor football training and associated children's party room.

The council said the pitch, proposed by local man Paul King, "would result in incongruous features to be introduced within the setting of the Walton Hall Farmhouse with resultant degradation of the appearance of this heritage asset.

"The development would be likely to result in harms to the openness of this part of the green belt."

One of the tenants on the site, the popular Tot's World nursery, will be closing at the end of February.

A statement says: "We are sadly leaving our Walton Hall barn at the end of February 2025.

"With the changes down there we find ourselves looking for a new home. 

"We are dedicated to making the next few months the best ones yet and are blown away by everyone's beautiful comments and making memories that we will cherish forever - we can't wait to make more with you and your little ones while we figure out our next adventure."