The refusal of a proposed development of 56 homes in Great Bardfield has been upheld by a Planning Inspectorate.
This was over concerns on the significant effect to the character and appearance of the area and poor design.
An application for 56 new homes with highway works and facilities including landscaping, open spaces and cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure on land off Deer Park View, Braintree Road in Great Bardfield was submitted to Braintree District Council in October 2021.
Over 80 objections were received during the public consultation from residents and statutory partners and the application was refused by the Council’s Planning Committee in November 2022 on the advice of officers. Reasons included that the site could not satisfactorily accommodate the number of homes proposed to an acceptable design and layout.
The applicant appealed the decision which was heard by an independent Planning Inspector last month on 15th November 2023.
In the appeal judgement, the Inspectorate identified that the development would have a “significantly harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area” and the development is of an “unacceptable design”, conflicting with local and national planning policies.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: “We are pleased the inspector dismissed this development and agreed with our view that the proposals were poorly designed and would have a significant impact on the character and appearance of the village. This result is the best outcome for the residents of Great Bardfield and we will continue to fight against unsuitable, unsustainable and poorly designed developments to protect the whole district, which is an important consideration reflected in our local plan.”