PLANS for homes yards away from a factory have been thrown out, with councillors fearing the area would be too loud for potential residents.

Persimmon Homes had launched a bid for 87 homes including 67 houses and 20 flats on land off Axial Way, but nearby air conditioning company Flakt Woods posed an objection, fearing people would complain about the noise level from their site.

The company relocated from a factory in Tufnell Way several years ago, when the proposed nearby land was earmarked for industrial use.

Speaking at Colchester Council's planning committee meeting Flakt Woods spokesman Iain Kinghorn said:"We do not want to cause unnecessary problems and we recognise there has to be a housing strategy but we cannot support anything which may have a negative impact on our business."

Plans for the site had included acoustic fencing to block out noise from the factory, Axial Way and the A12 and sound tests had been passed. but only on the basis householders had their windows shut.

Mile End councillor Martin Goss (Lib Dem) said: "I totally agree with what Flakt Woods are saying with their concerns about noise.

"I can see these complaints coming in as issues for ward councillors and it will be me who has to deal with them."

Mike Lilley (Lab) feared residents would be unable to hear each other if the homes were built.

He said: "The development would be forcing residents onto land to complain about a company who we should be protecting because they provide jobs.

"When families move in and they have a party outside in the summer are we going to buy them a megaphone so they can all hear each other?"

Brian Jarvis (Con) added: "Flakt Woods have been a major employer for decades and have had a great relationship with the council over all of those years.

"When they outgrow their site in Tufnell Way both parties worked hard to find somewhere so we did not lose them.

"Allowing these homes would not be the way to treat a major employer of the town."

The proposal also failed to meet the required number of visitor parking spaces and the committee voted unanimously to reject them.