TIME is at the centre of a row between Thurrock Council and a village landowner.

Council planners have rejected a bid by Mrs S. Hunt of Braeside, Warley Hall Lane, Bulphan, who says four outbuildings on her land should remain because they have been in situ for four years.

Mrs Hunt has sought planning permission for the buildings, and says she has furnished proof of the length of their existence.

However, in a move that might ultimately mean the buildings have to come down, the council has rejected her argument.

It says the application submitted has been accompanied by evidence which fails to adequately demonstrate that the buildings on site have been on site for a period greater than four years in accordance with 191(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).