A Thaxted campaign group is objecting to a new planning application to build 67 homes in the area, after a plan was rejected for the same site in 2015.

Hands Off Thaxted was formed in response to plans by developers Gladman to build 120 houses in a field at the north entrance to Thaxted.

After a two-week enquiry, the plans were rejected - with the inspector stating: "I am unable to see how even a small number of houses could be acceptably placed on the site."

The same landowners have returned with a new developer - Tesni - to try again, this time with a planning application for 67 houses in the same field, west of Walden Road.

Hands Off Thaxted has expressed concerns about the damage the plans would cause to the landscape and heritage of the town.

A spokesperson said: "In response to the current application, Anglia Water has said 'the development will lead to an unacceptable risk of flooding downstream'.

"Thaxted's Neighbourhood Plan, which was overwhelmingly approved in a Referendum of residents, identifies the site as particularly sensitive, with key views to the village which must be protected.

"This field is so important to historic Thaxted because it is at the main, northern entrance to the village on the road from Saffron Walden."

Tesni's landscape and visual impact assessment states: "The layout and design have been carefully conceived to utilise existing topography and vegetation to reduce the visual effects of the proposals and in doing so create opportunities for new play, recreation and ecology spaces.

"The site enjoys access via and existing public footpath route and this will be connected to new routes through these newly created public open space areas offering a better recreational facility close to the village centre.

"Key views towards the church spire are retained through the design of the proposals ensuring the historic setting of Thaxted as viewed from the north remains."

A spokesperson for Uttlesford District Council said: "It is not appropriate for the council to comment on the proposals at this time. We welcome views from members of the public. The deadline for making comments is November 24."