THE land where iconic author Daniel Defoe’s house once stood has been approved for development of new homes.

Council planners have voted through proposals to build nine houses on the former Tubswick site, in Mill Road, Colchester.

The grade II listed property was leased to the author in 1722 and devastated by fire in 2009.

Owners Adrian and Faith Richardson were granted permission to demolish the house in January and submitted an outline plan for a replacement home and eight new ones.

Residents, Myland Community Council and borough councillors have all voiced objections.

They said the development would be too large and worsen traffic problems in Mile End.

But Colchester Council’s planning committee voted through the plans at a meeting on Thursday.

Mersea Homes, representing the owners, did not wish to comment.