Buddhist needs planning permission to meditate

Buddhist Edward James, who bought a wood so that he could meditate in peace, has been told he needs planning permission.

Mr James, 51, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, took over the half-acre Northwood, overlooking the Crouch estuary, so he and his friends could meditate among the trees.

But Essex Wildlife Trust objected because it feared trees were being damaged, including the removal of "old and long-established ivy".

A local resident expressed concern because, it was said, several vehicles containing would-be meditators were turning up.

Mr James, who retired recently after a career working backstage in theatre, said: "Our activities involve sitting crosslegged for about 25 minutes, but English Nature, Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex county council had to be consulted."

He said members of different Buddhist groups hoped to meditate in the wood.

His application for a change of use will be considered by Rochford district council planning committee tonight. Council officers have recommended approval.

A spokesman for the council said: "Our only conditions are that no more than one vehicle be allowed in between sunset and sunrise, and to limit the amount of people who use the site at one time, so the residents will not be disturbed."