A COUNCIL will have to foot the bill for a developer’s legal costs after an inspector ruled it had behaved unreasonably.

Controversial plans for 94 homes at Theedhams Farm, Steeple Road, Southminster, have been given permission following a planning inquiry.

The outline plans for 94 homes, of which 28 would be affordable, also includes a new northern bypass and will see Steeple Road converted to a cul-de-sac.

There will also be land reserved for a future medical centre.

Maldon District Council rejected the plans last May, citing its character, drainage issues and a lack of ed- ucation provision and a section 106 agreement.

Developer L A Sibley then submitted an appeal against the council’s decision.

By the time the plans were heard at a hearing the council had withdrawn three of the grounds for objection.

The inspector decided there would be “limited” harm to the character and appearance of the area and approved the plans.

Her report said: “Some harm to the semi-rural character and appearance of the locality would result therefore.

However, the harm identified would be limited by a number of factors.”

She also accepted L A Sibley’s request for costs saying the council had caused the developer “unnecessary expense” after withdrawing three of its reasons for refusal.

Campaigner Paula Neall said residents were unhappy with the decision. She said: “It didn’t seem to me that they took any account of all the objections that people made.

“We are extremely disappointed.

“I don’t believe there will be a medical centre – it was just a promise made but I genuinely don’t think we will get it.”

A Maldon District Council spokesman said: “It is unfortunate that the Planning Inspector did not support our decision to refuse planning permission for the development. Officers of the Council put forward a robust  defence of the reasons for refusal. However, in this instance the Inspector’s conclusion was different to the Council’s.  The Council will continue to strive to facilitate good quality development within the District and this will be evidenced through working with the applicant to ensure that the reserved matters application is appropriate.”