CONTROVERSIAL proposals for almost 100 homes in Thorpe-le-Soken have been given the go-ahead, despite protests from villagers.

The decision was greeted with anger by residents who packed into Wednesday night's planning meeting, which was standing-room-only.

There were cries of "shame" and "it's a joke" as frustrated villagers' hopes of blocking the homes were dashed.

The site - on a field off Landermere Road - was earmarked for housing by Tendring Council, which had been bombarded with more than 100 objections.

Most protestors have fears about the extra traffic the development will create on Thorpe's already congested roads.

There are also concerns about the pressure on already over-stretched services such as schools and surgeries.

Resident Andrew MacIntosh spoke against the proposals.

He said: "Doctors' surgeries can't cope with current demands. Our schools are also full."

Mr MacIntosh was applauded by campaigners after he said the housing would "destroy the character of our historic village".

The parish council had not objected to the plans.

But parish councillor Simon Raftery told the meeting the development would have an "irreversible" impact on the village and was not acceptable.

Developers Scott Properties said their had been two consultations and they had "taken on board everything that was suggested".

"Thorpe needs to grow and this is the only site available," their agent told the meeting.

Planning committee members said their hands were tied because County Hall highways had not opposed the development.

Vice chairman Rosemary Heaney said refusing permission would only be overturned on appeal.

"It is earmarked for development whether people like it or not," she said.

Chairman John White added: "Unless we can come up with something it will go to appeal. Unfortunately we have so many cases where exactly that has happened.

"We refuse it and it gets thrown back at us straight away by the government inspector."

One member of the public branded the committee a "joke".

"If that's our representation, we are in trouble," he said.