A COUPLE have been reduced to living in a tatty caravan after they bulldozed their home and were then refused permission to re-build it.

Colin and Carole Walker tore down their squalid bungalow off Station Road, Runwell, shortly after buying it in May as it was beyond repair.

They had planned to replace it with a three bedroom chalet-style bungalow as quickly as possible, but their planning application has been knocked back by the council.

The couple are going back to the drawing board with their architects and will re-submit a planning application.

However, they are bracing themselves for the prospect of a long stay in their cramped, 20-year-old caravan.

Colin, 53, an engineer, explained: “We are disappointed at the refusal and totally baffled. No residents or neighbours objected.

“We were told one of the reasons was because the back bedroom would overlook land where they want to build 68 new homes, meaning we’d be able to peer into someone’s house.

“But that development hasn’t even been approved.”

The development in question for land in Downham Road, led by Gleeson Gomes and Greendale Estates, was turned down at a planning meeting on Tuesday. Mr and Mrs Walker bought the two-bed Seventies bungalow for £135,000 and borrowed £100,000 for the re-build.

They can’t afford to rent while the plans are rehashed so are living in their caravan, which has a double bed, a tiny kitchen and chemical toilet. Colin said: “It’s going to be freezing in the winter, which we aren’t looking forward to.”

The couple had no choice but to flatten the bungalow as it had been badly damaged by flooding and was too dangerous to live in.

Colin, who has grown-up children with Carol, 47, said: “If we could have lived in it, we would have.”

Officials say the proposed bungalow would be “too large” for the site and would “contrast starkly” with the more open character of neighbouring homes.

Clive Simpson, manager of planning services at Basildon Council said: “We recommend anyone considering alterations, particularly if that involves demolishing an existing dwelling, seeks planning permission before any work is carried out.

“Anyone who makes an alteration to their property without the relevant planning permission is taking a very big risk.

“There were several reasons why this planning application was refused, which were clearly outlined in our decision, none of which refers to a proposed housing development.”