CONTROVERSIAL proposals for almost 150 new homes in Alresford have been given the green light.

Tendring Council originally turned down outline plans for 145 homes on land south of Cockaynes Lane in 2015, but the developers successfully overturned the decision on appeal last year.

Detailed plans including design, landscaping and layout were approved by Tendring Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

The plan includes 15 bungalows backing on to Station Road and 36 affordable homes, as well as a play area at the centre of the development and an orchard.

Some parts of the plans had been changed after objections from people in neighbouring properties.

Planning officers recommended approval.

Alresford Parish Council had strongly opposed the original plans and a Cockaynes Action Group was launched to fight the proposals.

Critics claim the large-scale development will have an “urbanising” effect on the village and increase its size by almost 20 per cent.

The parish council said it still has concerns over access to the development, but County Hall highways bosses had no objections.

One campaigner against the homes claimed the planning inspector who approved the outline plan had done “irreversible damage” to the village.