ESSEX Wildlife Trust have objected to plans to turn a Heybridge gravel pit into a fishing lake, despite support from the Environment Agency.

Jim Purdy has applied to Maldon District Council to allow the lakes at the gravel pit in Hall Road to be used for fishing.

The proposals would allow a fishing club to be founded on the site, with a maximum of 80 members.

An initial application submitted in 2016 wanted the lakes to be used for fishing with 60 platforms constructed and 54 “swims” created, which was rejected.

Essex Wildlife Trust have spoken out against the new application, arguing it would put the “amazing site” and its “wonderful rare wildlife” at risk.

Annie Gordon, a conservation officer at the trust, said: “Thousands of waders and wildfowl gather here ever year.

“While the reedbeds are full of life with singing warblers, beautiful bearded tits and even the rare and elusive bittern. All can be found sheltering and foraging right here.

“The reedbeds have also allowed one of our rarest native mammals to thrive; the highly endangered water vole that depends on the continuous cover of the dense reedbeds.

“This proposal will turn the lake into a commercial fishery. This disturbance and the loss of a vital habitat would be devastating for the wildlife that depends on it.”

The trust called on its supporters to object to the planning application.

However, the Environment Agency supports the plans.

Natalie Kermath, planning advisor for the Environment Agency, said: “We are pleased to see that this application does not include the creation of intrusive swims and platforms and that as a result there will be no habitat loss”.