A decision on the future of a travellers' site has been referred to the government following a public enquiry.

A planning inspector on Wednesday considered an appeal against an enforcement notice issued to William Doherty, owner of the site in Roydon Lodge Chalet Estate in High Street, Roydon.

The council claim Mr Doherty has changed the use of the site from a mix of leisure and residential without planning permission.

The inspector has now referred the case to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Mr Doherty has received four enforcement notices from Epping Forest District Council over six years.

Only one, which ordered the removal of concrete and sheds, was successfully upheld.

A council official said the final decision date on the latest notice is unknown.