VILLAGERS are again being urged to campaign against controversial plans for hundreds of homes on land around an exclusive spa in Thorpe.

Residents celebrated victory in June after plans for 200 homes, 50 holidays homes and 92 assisted living care properties on rural land around the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel were rejected by Tendring Council.

But owner Donald Emslie has now submitted new blueprints for the Frinton Road site as part of a regeneration masterplan.

The project includes plans for up to 200 residential units, an eight-acre park, landscaping, an access roads, associated infrastructure and ancillary works.

Thorpe councillor Daniel Land claimed the plans would damage the historic Thorpe Hall Parklands.

He said: “As a village, we have no interest in subsidising a spa facility which needs cash to survive.

“The proposal this time around clearly has two objectives, to build 200 houses and to rejuvenate the spa, the latter not happening without the former.

“The park lands around Thorpe Hall are part of our heritage, our splendid eco-system and are a tap-root to our historical beliefs and community spirit.

“I advise everyone locally to safeguard against this by objecting to this new proposal. It has total disregard to the people of Thorpe and wider area.”

Resident Joan Shearing also objected to the plans, claiming they would “ruin” the character of their village.

She said: “We already have houses going up around Thorpe village and more in the pipeline.

“This is a small village and pretty soon it won’t be a village anymore. It will be another town with overcrowded schools and the doctor’s surgery won’t cop with even more patients.”

The Lifehouse’s owners previously said the spa has become a success, but needs major investment to secure its future – and developing the land is the best way to raise the necessary funds.

A planning statement by agent Collins & Coward said: “The principle aim of the project is to enable the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel to be regenerated and create extra jobs and housing for the community.

“The historic assets of the site will be protected and enhanced through additional landscape planting to create additional buffers to the existing landscape at the registered park and garden.

“The development will improve the facilities and offer at the hotel and spa for the benefit of the whole community.”

The Lifehouse Spa was opened in 2010 as part of a major £30million investment.