RESIDENTS, bird-watchers and environmentalists are fighting plans to turn a wildlife haven into a commercial fishing lake.
The application to transform the scenic Heybridge gravel pits, on Hall Road, into a fishing destination has infuriated campaigners who argue it will destroy the natural wildlife habitat.
"When I moved here four-and-a-half years ago the lakes were the draw when buying my property," said Steve Sharpe, whose home overlooks the old quarry, which is now a picturesque lake.
"If the application was to go ahead it would be a disaster for us, and others who live here.
"So many people enjoy this area and it would be completely spoilt.
"I imagine it would also massively devalue my property for which I paid a premium," added the university lecturer.
Although residents were only given official notice of the plans to create a fishing lake, with an additional car park, on April 19, there has long been concerns that fishermen using the site had been disturbing rare wildlife using the lake as their home.
"Nearly 200 species have been recorded on the site, with rare protected birds such as the avocet and Cetti's warbler," said Simon Wood, author of Birds of Essex, and a Heybridge resident.
"It is known nationally among bird-watchers and this development would undoubtedly cause a severe disturbance to the wildlife – it would ruin it completely."
The planning permission to transform the site into a commercial fishing destination is being sought by developer John Purdey, although it remains owned by company Thomas Bates and Sons.
A group of neighbours originally formed the Friends of Heybridge Gravel Pits group more than a year ago to fight for the designation of the site as a nature reserve – a duty that they claim Maldon District Council failed to fulfil.
But that fight has been stepped up in recent weeks following the application for a fishing lake and the group now boasts more than 100 members.
"I don't think they're going to know what's hit them," said Belinda Worsley, a children's book illustrator.
"It's a beautiful and unique spot that attracts people from all across the country. If this was to go ahead it would be just awful."
Among the many objections the protesters are also alleging legal holes in the controversial proposals.
"The application includes land that is not now owned by either the applicant or Thomas Bates and Sons Ltd – and will never be owned by them," said David Rayner, a partner at Birketts law firm.
"In addition, the applicant doesn't have any right to access to the car parking off Battle Rise.
"There is no traffic or environmental impact assessment.
"I just feel the application has been made on the cheap."
Self-titled 'nature warden' at the Heybridge Gravel Pits, John Lamb, believes the proposed development would only improve the site for both residents and wildlife.
"I completely disagree with the claims of the protesters. Fishermen will simply sit down, cast out and within 20 minutes any wildlife that is disturbed will come back," said John, 52, who regularly fishes at the lakes and hopes to be employed by developer Mr Purdey if the application is to go ahead.
"All this development would do is to improve things tenfold. People currently leave their litter and dog mess lying around. We just want to transform it into a better place for all concerned.
"I really didn't think the opposition to the plans would go this far but I know if we had a meeting I could put all their worries to rest," added Mr Lamb, who is semi-retired from his job as a plasterer.
"But, if they want a fight, they've got one to be honest."
