COUNCIL bosses say a decision to throw out plans to build 122 homes on rural land in Colchester will allow them to take a "proactive" role in the the future development of the borough. 

A Government planning inspector refused Gladman Developments permission to build the homes in Bakers Lane, citing a "dramatic" change to the landscape from a rural lane to a suburban road. 

The plans had already been refused by Colchester Council. 

In his report, Mark Dakeyne added: "The development would not be capable of being absorbed into the landscape.

"Overall, the proposal would be substantially harmful to the character and appearance of the area."

He also said the development would conflict with a number of policies, including building on unallocated greenfield land outside settlement boundaries, which the Essex Landscape Character Assessment states should be "strictly controlled".

Mr Dakeyne's report adds: "The landscape for the intimate enclave of countryside to the north of the railway would be dramatic.

"The creation of a carriageway with pavements, kerbs and potentially street lighting would change a significant stretch of Bakers Lane from a rural to a suburban road."

He also pointed to the site not being included in Colchester Council's local plan, which sets out where can and cannot be developed. 

Mark Cory, Colchester councillor responsible for resources, said: "I am pleased the planning inspector has backed the decision taken by the council on this application.

"These decisions are not taken lightly and like us he would have carefully looked at all the facts and issues before coming to his decision.

"It is also pleasing that the inspector has identified and highlighted the work we are doing to ensure we have a supply of sites to ensure we are able to deliver the homes our residents need.”

Within the report, Mr Dakeyne also pointed out the borough must show a greater supply of land for homes over the next five years. 

However, he added: "The shortfall is not substantial and the council is taking steps to remedy the shortfall through the emerging local plan and it has a good record in working with developers to bring sites forward."

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for business and culture, said: “We will be looking carefully at the points raised by the inspector.

"However the decision reinforces the importance of having an up to date adopted Local Plan.

"Our emerging plan is currently being examined by the Planning Inspectorate and if adopted will ensure the council continues to take a proactive role to future development in the borough.”