AN appeal has been lodged against the council’s decision to reject plans for 130 new homes in Tiptree.

Marden Homes Ltd applied to Colchester Council in 2019 for planning permission to build the new estate on land adjoining The Gables, in Kelvedon Road.

In documents related to the appeal, agents Strutt and Parker said: “It is our client’s position that the council has failed to determine the application in a reasonable timeframe.”

And they added the council had not presented evidence which indicates the development would be unsuitable or adverse impacts of development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

The plans proposed would see all existing buildings on the site, including farm buildings and traveller accommodation, demolished to make way for the new estate.

If approved, access would be created via a new mini roundabout built on Kelvedon Road.

The original plans received a total of 77 objections.

One objector commented at the time: “This village cannot cope with yet another 130 houses being built.

"It would be a huge strain on the already swamped doctors’ surgery, dentist, schools, roads and the village in general.”

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Tiptree Parish Council previously objected the plans and said it would continue to fight them.

A spokesman said: “We are building a neighbourhood plan which will help reduce the increasingly higher traffic flows which pass through the centre of the village.

“In order to build a sustainable plan that enables this, a great deal of effort has been expended, which includes looking at all the infrastructure that supports the village.

“A development that doesn’t follow the neighbourhood plan would, therefore, not be in our best interests.

“It could pre-empt decisions we are trying to arrive at in conjunction with developers, the borough council, and the good people of Tiptree.

“Tiptree Parish Council will object to the plan, as this does exactly that.

“It pre-empts the neighbourhood plan, it is built outside of the current settlement boundary.

“The parish council are keen to ensure that future development adds to the amenities available to the residents of Tiptree, and meets the aim of reducing traffic flows through the centre of the village.”