Plans to transform a neglected green space with a weekly boot sale and clean up have been rejected.

The plans, which were applied for by businessman Eddie Edge, would have seen Lucton's Field in Borders Lane, Loughton, which was 10 years ago part of plans to provide sports facilities as part of a major development on the campus, made the home of a 500-car boot sale next month.

Plans to provide the sporting area diminished as the college were unable to proceed to Phase 2 in the development due to a lack of funding and the site has since become overgrown.

Mr Edge, 52, of Wood Green Road in Waltham Abbey, said as well as the boot sale he had hoped to introduce weekly clean ups including grass mowing, litter picking and bramble trimming to make the field “a nicer environment for dog walkers and home owners”.

Plans for the field, which belongs to the Epping Forest College, were rejected yesterday following resident concerns regarding noise, congestion and traffic.

Mr Edge said: "I am gutted that the plans were rejected, I thought it was going to be great.

"The rent wasn't cheap, I was looking at paying the college £1,200 a day to use the field and their car park.

"I am upset that residents still had concerns over traffic and noise as I had marshals in place to direct and control those issues.

"One of the marshals even lives locally.

"The last thing I want to do is upset residents.

"I am going to speak with the college in hopes of contacting residents and maybe giving the boot sale a trial run.

"If this doesn't work then I hope to find another local plot of land.

"Hopefully one day we will have the best boot sale in Essex."