RESIDENTS are delighted after two appeals to build homes in West Bergholt were dismissed by a planning inspector.

NEEB Holdings applied to Colchester Council to build homes in Armoury Road and near Colchester Road last year.

The Armoury Road development was for 26 homes, 30 per cent of which would have been affordable.

The Colchester Road development was for 18 homes, 36 retirement units and a 60-bed care home.

Both applications were refused last summer, however, NEEB Holdings appealed against the decisions.

Planning Inspector Nicola Davies reviewed the appeals and dismissed them both.

In a report she said the main reason was the effect the proposed developments would have on the character and appearance of the areas.

She also raised the issue of whether the proposals provided enough affordable housing, open space and vital facilities.

Speaking about the Colchester Road proposals she said: “The proposed development would create visually urbanising development over a large area of land and the effect upon this rural landscape would be substantial.”

Speaking about the Armoury Road development she added: “The proposal would replace this open vegetated site with a housing estate by placing up to 26 dwellings.

“This would substantially domesticate this site.

“It’s effect on the localised landscape would be significant.

“In regard to [Colchester Road] that proposal would bring about social benefits of providing retirement living units and a care home, noting the appellant advises discussions have taken place with St Helena Hospice to extend operation to the site.

“In relation to [Armoury Road] the housing created could potentially be suitable for first time buyers and those wishing to downsize and could be built to meet lifetime homes standards.”

Armoury Road residents had vociferously opposed the plans and more than 80 objections were submitted by neighbours.

Councillor Lewis Barber, who helped co-ordinate the objections, said: “I am delighted the community campaign has been successful.

“West Bergholt is openly taking development via the neighbourhood plan process and the community’s chosen plans should be protected.”