A CONTROVERSIAL development which received hundreds of objections has been given the go-ahead.

Gladman Developments Ltd applied in October to build 140 homes, of which 40 per cent will be affordable housing, on land south of Stonepath Drive, Hatfield Peverel.

A previous application by Gladman for 80 homes on the land had been rejected by Braintree Council’s planning committee in October.

However the new application was approved at a meeting of the committee on Tuesday evening.

Dozens of residents attended in opposition to the proposals, and several spoke passionately about the reasons why they felt so strongly about the site.

Parish, district and county councillors for Hatfield Peverel also spoke out against the developed.

Stonepath Meadow Residents Group was set up to oppose the development and residents received the backing of Priti Patel, MP for Witham, during their campaign.

Ms Patel said: “This decision is appalling and outrageous. Stonepath Meadow is a wonderful space and it is shocking that it will now be destroyed by this huge and unwelcome development. Local people in Hatfield Peverel have been proactive in putting forward other sites for development in the village and it is shameful that local views have been ignored.

“An alternative brownfield site is available for housing development which has more local support and is part of the village’s Neighbourhood Plan.”

A spokesman for the Stonepath Meadow Residents Group said: "We are saddened by Braintree District Council’s decision.

"Central government have empowered local communities to determine the housing needs of their own areas.

"The residents of Hatfield Peverel have worked hard to deliver and act in accordance with government policy.

"The emerging Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Development Plan is about the right development in the right place.

"The Stonepath Meadow Residents Group worked together, sought expert opinion and followed statutory guidelines."