CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after plans to build a housing estate in a conservation area were refused.

A planning application to build 65 homes on land near Trinity Road, Mistley, was thrown out by Tendring Council.

The proposal for the homes was first lodged to the council in 2011.

The applicant then submitted an updated detailed design and access statement for the homes in 2018, which sparked concern among residents.

Villagers formed an action group, with members creating signs, posters and placards to use in the protest against the development.

Peter Shakespeare, of Trinity Road, was the driving force behind the campaign group who stated the major issues with the proposal were that the land is part of a green gap and the site is within a conservation area.

The aim of the group was to also encourage residents to express their views on the application through Tendring Council’s website.

There were 171 objections against the plans.

Mr Shakespeare said: “We are, of course, delighted and obviously relieved about the decision.

“Knowledge that a decision was soon to be made came at short notice, all the more worrying after a ten-year wait.

“We are now waiting to see the council’s full reasons behind the decision, but obviously preservation of a site within a designated local green gap was paramount in the thinking.”

He added: “Credit must also go to residents who objected with well-evidenced statements, stressing the importance of maintaining the green gap and thus preventing such an important site being lost to incremental development.”

“We are delight all round coupled with the continued opportunity to benefit from this beautiful piece of land.”

John Hall, of Grange Road, Lawford, said he was delighted the plans have been turned down.

The campaigner added: “It shows the strength of objections, and everyone is pleased to hear it has been refused.

“The green gap has been saved from being built on and it’s important for biodiversity.”

Brooks Leney, the developer, has been contacted for comment, but had not responded at the time of going to press.