A DEVELOPER, which has been fighting for years to build a controversial housing development on an historic field, has had its latest appeal refused by a judge.

Gladman Developments first applied for planning permission to build 110 homes on Lawford Tye Field, off Grange Road, back in November 2017.

More than 280 residents wrote objections to Tendring Council about the controversial plans and the council then refused the application.

In January 2019, the developer lodged second application for planning permission, also for 110 homes, to Tendring Council.

This time, more than 300 people objected to the plans and the council refused the application again.

In July, Gladman Developments appealed against the decision made by the council and a public inquiry was held at which an inspector heard Gladman’s case and the views of the council - as well as of campaign group Lawford Tye Action Group.

More than 60 people attended the hearing and made their objections clear.

By October, the planning inspector dismissed the developer’s appeal.

However, the action group said it recently found out Gladman Developments tried to overturn the decision of the public inquiry at court.

But High Court judge Timothy Mould QC, who oversaw the hearing, decided that Gladman Developments did not have a case and he refused permission for the developer to be heard at the High Court.

John Hall, of Lawford Tye Action Group, who lives in Lawford, said: “So, Lawford Tye Field has been saved yet again and this chapter is finally closed.

“However, we know that Gladman can be very persistent.

“Therefore, we must remain vigilant on the possibility of new planning applications.

“Many local people have been enjoying walking and running through this beautiful piece of countryside during lockdown.

“This serves to highlight the great benefits of this area to the local community.”

Lawford Tye Action Group will inform residents of any updates via its social media sites, or people can email nograngeroaddev@gmail.com.

Gladman Developments has been approached for a comment but did not respond by the time of going to press.