PLANS for up to 70 new homes on undeveloped land in Mistley have been approved despite residents’ fears for wildlife.

Rose Builders’ scheme for land north of Stourview Avenue was given the green light after Tendring Council’s planning committee visited the site.

Other matters, such as the design and layout of the homes, will need to go back to the committee for final agreement in due course.

The site was Mistley Parish Council’s preferred location for housing to be included in the new Local Plan.

But following approval for more than 450 properties at three other locations the parish council removed its support for the grassland site at the edge of the village.

The application was submitted in November last year, but a decision was delayed while additional information was prepared to address European habitat regulations.

Residents had raised fears about the siting of new homes within an area proposed for inclusion in an extension to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Lynne Smith, of Stourview Close, said the plans would “destroy the habitat of a wealth of wildlife”.

She called for the site to be subject to a high level of protection to protect it quality and character, but Tendring Council said the ecological value of the site was assessed along with the cumulative impact of all the various developments in the Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley areas.

Highways issues were also of concern but Essex County Council has accepted the scheme provided a number of conditions are put in place.

Gary Guiver, the council’s planning manager, said: “The main issue is whether any adverse impacts from the development outweigh the benefits. We feel, particularly following the ecological assessment, approval is the correct recommendation.”

The proposal was granted planning consent with six month given to come up with a legal agreement to cover developer contributions towards education facilities, health services and affordable housing.