A PROPOSAL for two extra gypsy pitches, which sparked mass opposition, has been turned down.

Relley Moore's proposal for land off Church Road, in Roydon, had attracted 80 letters of complaint from residents and was opposed by her own brother who warned there would be “massive violence” if the pitches got the go-ahead.

A letter from John Moore, read out at the district council's development control committee meeting said: “My sister is trying to get planning permission for her land left to us by our dad. I think this will cause violence and fighting.

“We strongly disapprove of this proposal. She wants to sell the land to Irish travellers. If this proposal is agreed this will cause massive violence and there is a chance people will be injured.”

Relley Moore said she denied her brother's allegations and added his branch of the family did not live in Essex.

She said: “I've been on here all my life. My three kids were born here. I've got three grandchildren. The only reason I want the extra pitches is for privacy and because we are over-crowded.”

Her proposal was supported by council officers, but councillors were divided.

Cllr Roland Frankel said: “The family's been there for many years. I can't see any issues.”

Cllr John Phillip said: “I don't run with the argument that the family's expanding. It's a development in Green Belt and there's no special circumstances.”

Ms Moore's proposal was rejected by a majority vote although she did gain retrospective approval for an existing pitch in a separate application.