PLANS to build a GP’s surgery on open land have been blocked, even though most residents support the proposal.

Tendring Council’s cabinet does not want to sell the land in Brighton Road, Holland-on-Sea, so NHS North East Essex can build a surgery.

A Town Hall consultation, costing £2,500, revealed 65 per cent of residents were in favour of selling the land for a surgery.

But the Conservative administration said the survey, which was set up by the previous Tendring First administration, was flawed as it did not ask residents if they would prefer another site Peter Halliday, councillor responsible for finance, said: “The loss of open land would be a loss we cannot replace. The surgery would be more suited to a central location in Holland-on-Sea.”

Mr Halliday added the land should not have been declared surplus to requirements in 2004 because there is not enough open space in Holland-on-Sea.

Sharon Bennett, who lives in Brighton Road, said: “We are overjoyed with the decision. We are glad Tendring Council’s cabinet has appreciated the loss of this open space would be a great loss to residents and holiday makers.”

Tonia Parsons, project director at NHS North East Essex, said she was “disappointed” at the decision.