A COUNCIL decision to refuse controversial plans for more than 50 homes in a village has been upheld by a planning inspector after concerns about its appearance and poor design.  

The application for 56 new homes in Great Bardfield was submitted to Braintree Council in October 2021.

Plans also outlined highway works and facilities including landscaping, open spaces and cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure on land off Deer Park View in Braintree Road.

More than 80 objections were received, opposing the plans, and the application was refused by the council’s planning committee last November on the advice of officers.

Reasons included the site not being able to accommodate the number of homes proposed to an acceptable design and layout.

The applicant appealed against the decision which was heard by an independent planning inspector last month.

In the appeal judgement, the Planning Inspectorate said the development would have a “significantly harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area” and was of an “unacceptable design”, conflicting with local and national planning policies.

Braintree Council planning boss Gabrielle Spray said: “We are pleased the inspector dismissed this development and agreed with our view 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.”