PROTESTORS claiming developers were destroying farm buildings without permission managed to put off demolition crews.

Residents gathered at the 500 home development in Malyons Lane, Hullbridge, to demonstrate people power with a picket at the site.

Concerned residents and councillors claim the developer was about to start works before adhering to planning conditions.

Residents received a letter last Wednesday notifying them that works would begin.

Dozens of people joined in the blockade.

Councillor Michael Hoy said: “It is disappointing the developer has not adhered to the rules.

“I am grateful to all the residents who came out and we prevailed because the workers left the site.

“The developer has not agreed a construction management plan and therefore there should be no demolition works until this is done.”

A spokesman for Barratt and David Wilson Homes (Eastern Counties) disagreed.

The spokesman said: “We continue to work closely with statutory consultees including Rochford District and Hullbridge Parish Council and confirm that the activity at our Hullbridge site relates to small scale works only to ensure the dilapidated ancillary farm buildings are removed so there is no risk to users of the adjacent public footpath.

“The site benefits from outline consent together with deemed consent for a number of pre-commencement planning conditions.

Protestor Jeff Attfield, 71, from the Hullbridge Residents Association, led the group.

He said: “I took charge at the protest and it went well, we would have liked 100 people there but it was short notice.

“It was not noisy or rowdy but residents are angry as this is not on.” The dispute centres on what sort of work demolition is classed as.