CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 50 homes on a football pitch have been thrown out.

Dishland, which owns the Gas Rec playing field, in Bromley Road, Colchester, had hoped to build 32 houses and 18 flats on one of the site’s two football pitches.

But Colchester Council planners have refused the proposals because the land is not set aside for homes and the development would be “unjustified” as the site is allocated as private open space.

The proposals did not go to the council’s planning committee, which usually decides on more major applications.

Denis Diggin, who runs Dishland, has vowed to appeal the decision, which has been welcomed by the Bromley Park Residents Association, which has campaigned against the plans.

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