A MULTI-MILLION car park extension, which has been dividing opinions for more than three years, has been deemed an 'authorised' development.

Tendring Council launched an investigation to determine whether additional planning permission was needed before the hulking metal barrier at Manningtree station was built.

The “Manningtree Berlin Wall”, as it is called by objectors, was part of a £3.1 million bid to to provide 226 extra parking spaces.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia has previously said the extension fell within the scope of a permitted development, which meant there was no need to obtain further planning permission.

READ MORE:>>Still no decision on enforcement action over eyesore 'Berlin Wall’ car park barrier

However, findings of the environmental screening have revealed an environmental assessment was required at the time of the development as the extension lies in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The report said: "The car park development now extends up to the boundary of the railway land and there is no separation between the decked car park and the AONB and St Edmund Way.

"Its industrial appearance is in stark contrast to the high scenic quality, and the remote and tranquil perceptual qualities of the Stour Valley and wider Dedham Vale AONB."

A spokesman for Tendring District Council added: "This opinion sets out our position that the car park extension does require an Environmental Impact Assessment – as such, the work could not be carried out under permitted development rights, and therefore is unauthorised.

“It is only right and proper to allow the developer reasonable time to consider this finding; and their response will be taken into consideration when determining the next steps we may take as the local planning authority.”

Charles Clover, chairman of the Dedham Vale Society and author of Prince Charles’ biography, has been campaigning against the development.

He said:"It is outrageous what greater Anglia have got away with for four years.

"This scheme should have been landscaped at the time it was built and it shouldn’t have anything like the amount of bare steel or garish lighting it has ."

Following the completion of the screening, decisions on the future of the Manningtree Berlin Wall could include Greater Anglia submitting a retrospective planning application or an enforcement action taking place.