ROUND-THE-TABLE talks were staged today over enforcement notices which were served on residents at Point Clear Bay against the unauthorised occupation of chalets.

Tendring Council leader Neil Stock met with some of those affected by the action – and other residents who will be in the future.

Planning enforcement notices have been sent to a number of residents to ensure properties are only used as homes at the times allowed under planning permission - usually between March 1 and October 31 each year.

Mr Stock, who was joined by senior officers, said he was pleased to meet residents face to face.

“We were able to hear their concerns about the potential enforcement action first hand,” he said.

“We recognise those concerns and also appreciate that there will be differing issues for each individual case, many based on decisions made some years ago.

“Understandably residents may feel that some people are being treated differently than others but this is down to the fact that owners and tenants have different permissions and each case has to be looked at on its own merits.

“For example, there are some in Point Clear Bay who have permission to stay all year round due to historic planning agreements which certainly would not be allowed today.”

Mr Stock said the council has highlighted that people have a right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and an information leaflet on how to do that was sent out with the original notices.

“Some residents have chosen to appeal against the enforcement action and until such times as the outcome of these appeals are known no further action will be taken by the council,” he added.

“Once a decision is made by the Planning Inspector the council will determine what action, if any, is needed.

“It is possible that the Planning Inspector will agree with the residents and grant planning permissions allowing all year round occupancy.

“Should the appeal decision uphold the council’s position, then we are committed to support residents through any transition period. Also any action taken would be within a reasonable timescale.”

Mr Stock also promised to write to the Planning Inspector ahead of the appeal to stress that there needs to be a clearly defined outcome which sets out the way ahead for both residents and the council, whatever the decision.

He said this situation was not unique to Point Clear Bay, with similar enforcement actions expected across the district.