A controversial development that has divided Wickham Bishops for more than a decade has been given the all-clear.

Developments Wickham Bishops village hall working group chairman Henry Bass holding an artist's impression of the planned village hall with Barry Sayers while other members look on. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (19782-1)

While half the residents celebrate the triumph of a new village hall, a large sports ground and pavilion, others mourn the loss of "valuable" countryside.

In 1989, the possibility of building houses around the area was mooted to pay for new facilities for the community.

Planning applications have since been submitted to Maldon District Council, only to be withdrawn amid widespread disagreement.

A campaign group - Wickham Bishops Against Superfluous Housing (Wash) - was set up to fight to keep the countryside clear and 250 letters of objection were sent last year, although almost the same number supported the scheme.

The largest site - at Snows Corner off Witham and Church Road - is now set to have 13 houses on it, a new village hall once the old one is demolished and more than 14 acres of playing field.

Another five homes are set to appear off Kelvedon Road a drop from the 26 houses originally outlined for the two sites.

Wash members agreed the old village hall needed to be replaced but said this did not warrant building homes outside the developement boundary alongside Kelvedon Road.

Councillors decided the community benefit outweighed their concerns.

Chairman Barry Sayers, of Beacon Hill Sports Association, which manages the hall and grounds, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the decision.

"This will be a great asset for Wickham Bishops and the surrounding villages and we will make the most of it," he said.

Objectors to the scheme, who did not want to be named, said it was "a great shame" but that nothing more could be done.

Once the money is secured, the village hall and sports ground can be created - with the aim of completion in three years.

Published Tuesday, February 19, 2002