Plans for 115 homes in Great Totham rejected at appeal

Gladman Developments’ outline application for 115 homes north-east of The Bull, in Great Totham, was rejected by Maldon District Council in March.

An appeal was launched in June and an injury held in August last year.

The plans, which would have increased the population in the village by almost 20 per cent, have now been dismissed by inspector Peter Rose.

In a 15-page document detailing his decision he said the homes would “fail to preserve” the settings of the nearby Grade II listed pub The Bull.

He said: “I conclude that the scale and location of the proposed development, by reason of its impact upon the setting of The Bull public house and adjacent stables, would be harmful to the significance of those listed buildings.”

Mr Rose said the loss of open space as a result of the scheme would be “seriously harmful” to the appearance and character of the area.

“The scheme would introduce a substantial built form across a large area of open countryside and development of this open field on the scale proposed would undoubtedly change its distinctive character and appearance,” he said.

“The development would suburbanise an important part of Great Totham to the detriment of its wider distinctive rural character and appearance.”

At 5.85 hectares, the proposed development site would have spanned the size of more than four football pitches off Maldon Road.

Gladman Developments had proposed 115 homes with associated site access, highway works, land for a doctor’s surgery, equipped play space and open space.

In a post on Facebook, Great Totham Action Group, said: “Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign to preserve the character and countryside in the village we all love.

“The meetings, the campaigning, the leafletting and the letter writing all paid off.

“We hope, like us, you all find this a huge relief that we can again enjoy the place we live without this large cloud hanging over us.”