MP Priti Patel has expressed her delight following the rejection of controversial plans for more than 200 homes in Tiptree.

The Planning Inspectorate has refused an appeal over the 221-homes proposals at Brook Meadows.

Plans were unveiled back in December 2020, with Kler Group wanting permission from Colchester Council to build the properties on agricultural land off Brook Meadows, near Maldon Road, in the village.

The homes were a mixture of two to four-bed properties, and access would have been created from Brook Meadows, with open space being provided for new residents on the estate.

The plans had been widely opposed by residents and Ms Patel, with hundreds objecting to the plans.

The initial application had been refused by the council, before going to appeal.

Ms Patel, who made representations opposing the plans, said: “Tiptree has had significant levels of housebuilding in recent years and these plans were unsuitable for the area.

“A development on this scale in this location was unsustainable and would have caused harm to the environment and landscape, as well as conflicting with local planning policies.

“I pay tribute to local residents who have campaigned and worked hard to get these plans refused.”