Hundreds of letters have been sent out to villagers resurrecting divides over a controversial housing development that was axed months ago.

Wickham Bishops Parish Council submitted a planning application for 26 homes for the village but in August, 2000, withdrew the plan fearing it would be taken to a judicial review.

The scheme, for land behind Great Totham Road, would have helped finance a new village hall, sports pavilion and playing field.

Now 800 letters, addressed Dear Resident, have been distributed around the village by Beacon Hill Sports Association, which had supported the planning application.

The letter, signed by the association's chairman Barry Sayers, criticises the Wickham Bishops Against Superfluous Housing (Wash) group, which had vigorously opposed the scheme.

More than 220 objections to the application were lodged by residents - but it was believed about the same number of people were in favour.

In September 2000 Maldon District Council approved the plan subject to referring it to the Secretary of State but he said it was a "local issue" and would not rule on it.

And after campaign group Wash threatened to take the case to the courts in the form of a judicial review, the application was withdrawn by the parish council last February.

Chairman of Wash, Tom Canham, has received one of the letters and today (Monday) said they were only causing more problems in the divided village.

"This is not constructive and only worsens divisions in Wickham Bishops," he said.

While Mr Sayers said: "We pulled out of the project but not for good. It's not the end of it."

He said the letter was sent out to resurrect support for the scheme, which he claimed would benefit the majority of residents.

Mike Webber, chairman of Wickham Bishops Parish Council, said the parish council felt it was not a matter they would now comment on.

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