Developer loses appeal to build 80 homes in Finchingfield

A housing developer has lost its bid to build up to 80 homes in Finchingfield.

Gladman Developments Ltd had applied to construct the homes on land off Wethersfield Road in the village.

Braintree District Council refused the planning application in February, but Gladman Developments took the case to appeal.

However a Planning Inspector has now upheld the council’s decision to refuse the scheme following a public inquiry held in September.

In the ruling, inspector Nick Fagan states that the harm of the development on the conservation area and listed buildings outweighs the potential benefits of affordable housing and economic growth in the village.

Lynette Bowers-Flint, district councillor for planning and housing, said: “We’re pleased our decision to refuse the application has been so strongly supported by the Planning Inspector who agreed that the harm caused to the setting of neighbouring listed buildings, the Finchingfield Conservation Area and the landscape character of the area outweighed the benefits of new housing in this location.”