AN MP has welcomed a council’s decision to reject plans for 200 homes on greenfield land.

Conservative Priti Patel praised Colchester Council’s refusal of Gladman’s outline planning application for homes on a site off Barbook Lane in Tiptree.

Ms Patel worked with residents to oppose the application and said the development would have been unsustainable being located outside of the settlement boundary.

She also said it would have adverse impacts on the environment, traffic and road safety.

She said: “Local people have come together to fight off and oppose this horrendous application.

“A development on this scale in this location goes against all previous development proposals for Tiptree, would place huge pressures on infrastructure and public services, and create road safety problems.

“The decision to refuse the application is welcome, especially as Tiptree has already experienced considerable population and housing growth.”

She also warned that although the application was refused, the applicant could resubmit or take the matter to appeal.

Ms Patel added: “Gladman have a track record challenging any decision that goes against them and use their deep pockets to try to grind down councils and residents.

“If they continue to persist with these ill thought-through plans then I will carry on standing by local residents and do all I can to block this development.”

Gladman Developments submitted a bid for up to 200 homes last year, including a new medical centre, car parking facility, sustainable drainage system and children’s play area.

Their report said: “The application site comprises several fallow fields. It is well related to the settlement and it is contained by physical features at its urban edge. The development would represent a logical extension of Tiptree.

“The development will be a positive addition to Tiptree, complementing the character of the surrounding areas in terms of scale, density, character and quality.

“It is self-evident that a significant step change is required in the delivery of new homes in order to get anywhere close to meeting requirements and preventing the housing crisis from being exacerbated further.”