COUNCILLORS went against planning officer recommendations to approve 250 homes in Kelvedon.

Braintree planning officers wanted to approve a site at Monks Farm for inclusion in the draft Local Plan.

However councillors felt another site at London Road was preferred by residents.

A total of 269 homes were proposed for London Road, and council leader Graham Butland said he felt the site should be approved.

He said: “If I had to toss a coin as to which one I would go for, I would go for (London Road) on the basis it seems to have the strongest local support.

“I think it would have a lesser impact on the major pinch-point around Station Road than the (site) officers are recommending.”

Councillor Wendy Scattergood agreed the site at London Road was preferred by the parish council to the site for 250 homes at Monks Farm.

Land at Park Farm was also considered in May for 1,000 homes, however it was rejected because access to the site was a concern.