Planners are appealing the refusal of a controversial application for housing, after village residents celebrated it’s refusal.

The proposed development at Bridgemans Green, would have built 46 flats and homes and included a coffee shop and garages.

The application, from Gary Sharp of CCC Property, was first submitted in July 2012 and resubmitted a year later.

Agent Stewart Rowe, of the Planning Design Bureau, said the homes would help meet the district’s housing needs.

A decision was made on March 20, by Maldon District Council, to reject the application.

Peter Lock, a teaching assistant, 46, of Bridgemans Green, first raised his concerns about the development in 2013.

He said: “I’m not really surprised about the appeal because we thought he would resubmit or put in another application.

“We are going to oppose it, everyone is keen to have our say on it at a public hearing.”