UNPOPULAR plans for 26 new homes to be built in a village have been approved after a planning appeal.

NEEB Holdings' proposals for land off Armoury Road, West Bergholt, were rejected by Colchester Council almost three-and-a-half years ago in March 2018.

The developer has twice appealed the decision to the Secretary of State.

The first appeal was rejected in 2019, however, a second appeal, hearings for which were held in June this year, has seen the decision overturned.

Residents campaigned successfully against the development twice, raising concerns about the impact on the roads and the fact the site was not included in the village's Neighbourhood Plan.

But in a report Planning Inspector R Sabu said there was no reason the proposals should not go ahead.

He said: "I acknowledge the dedication of the local community who have worked with the council over a number of years to produce the Neighbourhood Plan and note concerns that the proposal would undermine the it.

"I also recognise that the planning system should be genuinely plan-led.

"The Neighbourhood Plan appears to be silent on development outside of the allocated sites and I have found an absence of conflict with the policies within.

"As such the site’s location outside but adjoining the settlement boundary would not in itself conflict with the development plan.

"Therefore, I see no reason why the proposal would undermine the Neighbourhood Plan or wider development plan and would not accord with the development plan as a whole."

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The development includes 30 per cent affordable housing with access set to be created from Coopers Crescent.

Ward councillor Lewis Barber (Con, Lexden and Braiswick) said on Facebook: "I find this a particularly disappointing and surprising decision given the efforts of the local community to determine the future of the village through the Neighbourhood Plan.

"I will be ensuring this outcome is discussed with the councils over the next couple of days to ensure all avenues have been covered and what future steps can be taken."

You can view the full decision here.