AN appeal to the Planning Inspectorate will be held next week against a decision by Thurrock Council to refuse permission for the creation of a pitch for a Traveller caravan in the green belt in Fobbing.

The application for the pitch and associated development on land adjoining Mill Lane was rejected by the council's planning committee last year.

Members heard that officers had recommended refusal of the application because it was inappropriate development in the green belt and contrary to the council's policies. The application had been referred to the planning committee at the request of five local councillors, including ward councillors Deborah Arnold and Graham Snell.

A number of residents lodged their objections to the proposal with the committee.

Councillors on the committee unanimously rejected the application and one of them, Cllr Terry Piccolo summed up the reasons, saying the plan was 'a pimple on a haystack. It will look out of character for the area."

And another, Cllr Sue Little, echoed fears expressed at the meeting that the first site would lead to many others, saying: "It's a can of worms."

Nevertheless, despite the strong local objections, the Planning Inspectorate has agreed to Mr Ray being given the opportunity to appeal and a one day hearing will take place on Tuesday, 13 June. The venue has not been disclosed.

Members of the current planning committee will be briefed on the appeal hearing at their meeting tomorrow (Thursday, 8 June), though it is expected to be held behind closed doors with the press and public excluded.