Village residents are angry a controversial housing proposal has been given the go-ahead behind closed doors.

Frinton and Walton councillors had recommended the proposal in Turpins Lane, Kirby Cross, be turned down.

Residents said in view of the controversy, they had expected the planning bid would be discussed in public by Tendring councillors. Objectors fear a narrow residential cul-de-sac could be disrupted for up to a year by construction traffic.

A five-bedroom house and three bungalows are being proposed on the site of a bungalow half-way down the lane.

Tendring council spokesman Mike Page explained it used to be the case that where parish councils or residents showed concern over aspects of a planning application it would be dealt with in open committee rather than under delegated powers. However, in recent months the system had changed.

Fresh Government pressures aimed at increasing the time it took for planning applications to be dealt with meant the development committee chairman and portfolio holder could now decide what should be determined by the committee in public.

In this case, it had been felt consideration by the council's officers under delegated powers was sufficient.

Published Tuesday, January 18, 2005

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