PLANS for up to fifteen houses have been thrown out by a council.

Maldon District Council received plans for up to 15 houses on land near Tiptree Road in Wickham Bishops.

The council have refused the plans stating that the application site would be too rural and could damage the local environment.

It added: “If approved, the site would be poorly connected with the existing village, would be out of keeping with the existing pattern of development and urban grain thus failing to protect and enhance to the character and appearance of the rural area.

“Furthermore, the built form would have an urbanising effect on the rural character of the area and would result in an unwelcome visual intrusion into the undeveloped countryside.”