AN MP has pledged her support to residents opposing a “shocking and excessive” development of 140 homes.

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, met Hatfield Peverel residents last month after it emerged a planning application had been submitted for up to 140 homes on fields off Stonepath Meadow.

The application, submitted by Gladman Developments, is the second of its kind and came on October 28 - just three days after its initial application to build 80 homes was rejected by councillors.

So far the application has received 150 objections.

Ms Patel said: “The latest development plans to build 140 dwellings on the land off Stonepath Drive are shocking and excessive.

“I have supported residents in opposing the previous application for 80 dwell- ings and the latest attempt by the developer would destroy the countryside and place too much pressure on infrastructure and public services.

“There are other alternative sites better suited for housing and residents will continue to have my support opposing this development.”

The application has increased the number of proposed housing by 75 per cent, including up to 40 per cent affordable housing.

In the application, the developer has confirmed there are protected and priority species on the arable field, as well as important habitats.

Kevin Dale, a member of Stonepath Meadow Residents Group, said: “I’m very hopeful the application will be rejected again this time with all the support we have. We want residents to get their objections in and we want everyone to be aware of a meeting next week, which is probably a key decision meeting for development in Hatfield Peverel.”

Many residents have backed plans to redevelop the now empty Arla Foods dairy site in Hatfield Peverel.

Gladman Developments was contacted by the Times but did not respond.

A Braintree Council meeting will take place next Thursday at 6pm in Causeway House in Bocking End.