A CHALET complex on the Essex coast has been fined �30,000 for allowing properties to be occupied during the winter.

Bel Air Chalet Estate in St Osyth was given a �1,000 penalty for each of the 30 dwellings that breached planning conditions.

Tendring District Council (TDC), which brought the prosecution at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, said the conditions prevent the chalets being occupied from November to February.

The owners of the estate, Milesahead Properties (Bel Air) Ltd, were fined �30,000 and told to pay costs of �1,280.

It comes weeks after the authority launched a crackdown on residents in Point Clear Bay, St Osyth, saying they were taking action of winter occupancy to stop the area becoming a “pocket of deprivation”. But Point Clear Bay Residents’ Association hit back saying they are not breaking the law, nor were they “degenerates or deprived of anything.”

Carlo Guglielmi, cabinet member for planning at TDC, reacting to the prosecution of Bel Air Chalet Estate, said: “This action is being taken in the interests of the residents’ safety and to prevent such areas becoming pockets of deprivation. It shows that this matter was taken seriously by the court, as it imposed the maximum fine possible for all 30 offences.”

The prosecution was brought after a TDC officer discovered the breaches during a visit to Bel Air Chalet Estate on January 23.

TDC said Milesahead Properties (Bel Air) Ltd did not attend the hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court but was found guilty in its absence. The East Anglian Daily Times unsuccessfully attempted to contact the firm for reaction to the court hearing.

The authority said it had also taken action against Haven Holiday Park, Brightlingsea and issued breach of condition notices to properties in Point Clear Bay, St Osyth. A spokesman added: “Residents affected in Point Clear Bay have been given until November 2013 to make alternative winter arrangements and will be given advice if they need it.”