RESIDENTS are celebrating after being told a new fast-track planning process to help regenerate Holland-on-Sea’s coast will no longer include the greensward and Holland Haven.

Tendring Council wanted to make an order allowing more development along the seafront without needing planning permission as part of its regeneration plans.

But the move sparked fears of new buildings on the greensward in front of existing homes.

Planning boss Carlo Guglielmi claimed there was a large amount of “scaremongering” over the plans, but said the greensward and Holland Haven would be excluded from the order following a public consultation.

Holland Haven councillor and resident Joy Broderick said: “We are over the moon that they have backed down over the greensward and Holland Haven, but are outraged at being accused of scaremongering.

“They wanted block permission to do whatever they wanted on the greensward – it set alarm bells ringing along the seafront.

“They could have built arcades or anything they liked, up to the size of a small house.”

Tendring Council said the move would help speed up the “regeneration and renaissance” of Clacton seafront.

Mr Guglielmi said he is keen to make the most of opportunities created as a result of the £36million coast protection scheme by pressing ahead with new beach huts, shelters, kiosks, toilets, signs and other facilities – without having to get planning permission first. The council needed to clearly define the area involved, put forward the reasons and go out to public consultation to obtain a Local Development Order.

The council’s planning committee has now approved the order.