A WORKING group has slammed a developer’s appeal to build 130 new homes in Tiptree.

Marden Homes launched a bid in 2019 to build the new estate on land adjoining The Gables, in Kelvedon Road.

These proposals would see all existing buildings on the site demolished to make way for the new homes as well as a new link road.

The developer has appealed against the non-determination of the plans by Colchester Council.

An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State is holding a public inquiry to determine the appeal.

Read more >>> Appeal set to be held after bid for 130 new homes in village is refused

Jonathan Greenwood, chairman of Tiptree Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, has submitted a statement urging the inspector to dismiss the appeal.

The neighbourhood plan is in the consultation process and will guide the delivery of 400 new homes in the village.

While it isn’t against development, the working group of Tiptree Parish Council says the Tower End sites, which includes the Marden Homes appeal site, do not feature in its plan.

This is because they deliver little by way of community gain, Mr Greenwood says.

He said: “The Marden proposal is unsustainable in that it provides little by way of community infrastructure that is needed to accommodate present and future growth – most notably it not only fails to address the urgent need for a new health centre, it makes the delivery of a health centre far less likely.”

He also claims the proposal only adds to the traffic issues facing Tiptree and provides no long-term solution to alleviate these issues.

However, the plans do include a link road to allow for potential future connections.

Mr Greenwood says if the appeal is allowed a further 130 homes will be removed from the neighbourhood plan, effectively “killing” it.

He added: “The emerging neighbourhood plan is the result of a through site selection process backed up by an in-depth strategic environmental assessment – a necessary process to ensure a neighbourhood plan delivers the best possible community outcomes.

“The proposal presented to this appeal is not the result of any such process.”

In its closing statement for the appeal, Marden Homes argues the appeal site is in a "suitable location for delivering sustainable development and it has the benefit of being accessible to a full range of key services and amenities".