CONCERNED councillors fear they could end up with a new caravan park if they allow a temporary pitch for sea defence workers.

A plan has been launched to allow Birch Hoe Farm, in Pork Lane, Great Holland, to be transformed into a mini caravan park with ten pitches for the next ten months.

It would allow the site to be used by contractors working on the £36million sea defence project along the Clacton and Holland coast.

But town councillors fear the application could pave the way for the farm to create a long-term caravan park.

Councillor Brian Johnson said: “I think it is far too risky to allow this. We would be setting ourselves up for a big problem.

“It is a nice area and we might end up with a proper site with caravans strewn across it."

The farm is allowed to house five caravans without permission.

Owners of the farm have hit back over the concerns, saying there are no plans for it to become permanent.

The town council recommended refusal of the ten-month pitch increase.

Tendring Council will make the final decision.