RESIDENTS held a unique protest in response to a potential 140 home development on their doorstep.

Stonepath Meadow Residents Group was created to oppose plans for a Gladman Homes development at Stonepath Meadow in Hatfield Peverel.

A planning application for 80 homes was rejected by Braintree Council’s planning committee in October, however the developer soon returned with a larger application.

On Sunday, residents from the town took part in a lantern led procession across the historic site, in commemoration of an event that took place nearly a century years ago.

Kevin Dale from Stonepath Meadow Residents Group said: “As the grand history pageant was nearly 100 years ago we started to think about celebrating the anniversary.

“But then the planning application was marked ‘pending decision’ by Braintree District Council so we decided we had better get on and do something now, as there is a very real threat it could become a new housing estate soon and it would be too late.

“It was organised at short notice, and held on a chilly damp evening just as the sun set. But the community rallied-round to make the event a success.

“In the face of this outrageous and overbearing planning application in fine countryside it’s been great to see everyone working together, residents, our Neighbourhood Plan team; parish, district and county councillors.”