Approval has been given for 99 new houses to be built in Great Dunmow, despite objections from residents who formed themselves into the Ongar Road Action Group.

The group argued that there would be excessive noise from the A120 and expressed concern about crested newts a European protected species who live in ponds near the site. Outline planning permission was given to the proposal in July 2012, since when the group has fought against the scheme. Despite the objections, full planning permission was granted by Uttlesford District Council’s Planning Committee last week.

The development, referred to as Ongar Road South, includes 40 affordable homes and a central green with a children’s play area.

The site is over four hectares bounded by the B184 and the Ongar Road to the north and the unclassified Clapton Hall Lane to the east. This will be a mixed development of terrace and semi-detached houses and some detached bungalows. Some of the houses have been designed to be lower after the residents’ objections.

The developer, Taylor Wimpey says the homes will be built to blend in with other properties in Great Dunmow with chimneys, gables, and dormer windows and other external features in keeping with their surroundings. Four of the new bungalows are proposed to be for affordable housing.

As reported by the Dunmow Broadcast last month, Taylor Wimpey is also hoping to build on two other sites in the area, Ongar Road North and Smith’s Farm – 542 homes in total.

Sandra Lloyd, secretary of the Ongar Road Action Group that the planners had overlooked the aspect of noise from the A120.

She said: “No one has given any thought to the impact on the town, especially the traffic and the noise. We do not have enough parking.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “Our proposals for the land off Ongar Road in Great Dunmow include 99 new homes, 40 per cent of which will be made available as affordable housing. Our plans include a varied mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties including 22 detached, 38 semi-detached and 32 terraced houses, plus seven bungalows. Three of the units will be flats over garages. An area of public open space will also be provided at the development, with a central green and play space for the benefit of new residents and the wider community.”