A DEVELOPER has won his bid to build 32 homes in the north Essex countryside.

Jonathan Hill's plans to build the homes off Tye Road, in Elmstead Market, were initially rejected but a Government planning inspector gave the scheme - which is outside the village boundary - the green light.

His report said the development would "provide a gentle transition from the urban to the rural".

A legal agreement has been set up with the developer to provide 25 per cent affordable housing on site as well as public open space and a financial contribution towards primary education.

However, final details of the agreement are yet to be settled and a fresh application outlining the specific plans for the site must still be submitted to Tendring Council, as the planning authority.

Elmstead Market Parish Council had opposed the scheme, saying the village already has plans for 148 houses in a village, which has just under 800 homes.

Councillors feared approval of that scheme and another proposal for 41 homes would turn the village into a town.

Jean Routledge, vice-chair of the council said a letter would be sent to the planning inspector as the council believes there have been "misunderstandings" in the decision.

The decision comes as Colchester-based Hill Residential has another project in Elmstead Market which is to go before the planning inspectorate.

The developer is appealing against a council's decision to refuse 62 homes on a site off School Road.

Mr Hills also has schemes at various stages in the planning process in nearby Great Bentley, his home village.