UKIP have hit back at claims its campaign office in Clacton is in breach of planning rules.

Opponents have complained the party does not have permission to use the former bookmakers shop in Station Road as an office.

Political offices are classed differently from shops and change of use permission would be needed.

In an e-mail to councillors, a Tendring Council planning officer said: “There is a breach of planning control and so the occupiers will be contacted and a planning application invited.”

But a UKIP spokesman said the party was not breaking planning rules.

“As far as we are concerned, because we are selling merchandise here, it is still a shop,” he said.

“There is no need to apply for permission. I think it’s a bit desperate for someone to contact the council about it.”