The owner of a derelict former nursery wants to remove its farming ties in order to help him sell the property.

Richard Campbell has been desperately trying to sell Boydells Farm Nursery, in Braintree Road, Wethersfield, for more than nine months after he inherited it following the death of previous owner, Audrey Campbell, in 2017

Despite interest from potential buyers, he says deals have fallen through because of a condition attached to the site which means it cannot simply be used as a home and some form of agricultural work must take place there.

Mr Campbell is keen to sell the property as it is quickly falling into disrepair and he is asking Braintree Council to remove the planning condition related to agriculture because he argues it will make it easier for him to sell the property.

In a letter submitted with his planning application, he said: "The property has not been used for over 14 years or more on an agricultural basis and it has become impossible to sell with the tie.

"We are therefore requesting the agricultural tie be lifted, before it becomes a complete eyesore and worse still, attracts unwelcome visitors, with the hope that it could be sold and made into a family home again."

The application to remove the condition is set to go before Braintree Council's planning committee next week.

Mr Campbell's bid has suffered a setback however after planning officers recommended his application be refused. It is argued the marketing of the nursery, which has been done through estate agents Mullucks Wells, has not been extensive enough to prove the agricultural tie needs to be removed.

A report which will be put before councillors adds: "The evidence submitted shows that the property has been marketed, however, policy states that it should be marketed in a way that reflects the limited occupancy condition, and in officers' opinion, marketing an agricultural property through a housing estate agent and not though an estate agent which specialises in agricultural / farm sales would extremely limit the potential market to solely house purchasers.

"Furthermore, it is also noted that the property has been marketed though the estate agents, Mullucks Wells for nine months, however the evidence submitted does not detail the price of the property, any viewings which were had or if during that time the price was reduced to attract the interest of potential purchasers."

A final decision will be made next week.