CONTROVERSIAL plans for a housing estate which could have seen a village increase in size by almost 20 per cent have been thrown out.

Taylor Wimpey submitted plans for 145 homes on farmland off the ancient Cockaynes Lane, in Alresford.

Fears were raised if the application had been approved, it would lead to “open season for speculative developers”

while Tendring Council is without a local plan – the authority’s planning blueprint for development over the next 15 years.

The proposals were rejected by the council’s planning committee.

Councillors said the large scale development would have an urbanising effect on the village.

Alresford Parish Council strongly opposed the plans alongside the Cockaynes Action Group.

It a statement, the council, which is chaired by Ernie Osborne, said it is “delighted” with the decision.

A spokesman added: “If the application had been approved, a dangerous precedent would have been set and developers would have had a free hand to build on any green field site in Alresford or indeed the Tendring area.

“The Cockaynes Action Group has carried out excellent work during the campaign to oppose this application.”

However, campaigners have urged caution as the developer is likely to appeal the decision.

Resident David Crewe, who lives in Cockaynes Lane, spoke during the planning meeting.

Afterwards, he said: “We are pleased about the outcome, but have concerns about how the planning inspector will assess the expected appeal.

“Because Tendring is without a local plan, its decision may be viewed negatively by the inspector, but the good thing is that there is now an emerging local plan.

“We are not celebrating yet – the champagne is not yet on ice.”

Mr Crewe also voiced fears if the development had gone ahead, it could lead to 60 homes being built on a neighbouring site – which in total would see more than a 25 per cent increase in the size of the village.

George Martin, an Alresford parish councillor, had told the meeting the plans were unsustainable as the village’s school is full, its GP surgery is a part-time operation and the railway station is poorly serviced.

Stephen Brown, planning agent for Taylor Wimpey, said the plans should have been given permission because the council’s local plan is out of date.

He said because there is no plan, there should be a “presumption in favour of development”

and the plans would have “no adverse effect” on the village.