Four years of planning wrangles have finally come to an end after developers were given the thumbs-up to build more than 100 new homes on a controversial piece of land in Heybridge.

Government planning inspector Clive Cochran has granted, on appeal, permission for developers Thomas Bates and Sons and Barratt Eastern Countie to remove the remaining chalets from the site in Hall Road and replace them with 124 new homes.

The risk of flooding to the 6.8-hectare site bordered by the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, gravel pit lakes and Heybridge Creek was the final issue to be decided, said Mr Cochrane.

He allowed the latest appeal following technical advice.

"I conclude that adequate flood defence measures exist which would be improved and maintained for the lifetime of the development," said Mr Cochrane.

Published Wednesday, February 23, 2005

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