A controversial scheme to build hundreds of new homes has been given the go-ahead despite concerns it will 'trash' a village.

Bovis Homes will now press ahead with its plan to put up 300 homes and new community centre on land off Colchester Road, Coggeshall, after Braintree Council gave the green light during a planning committee meeting.

The developer will have to return with more detailed plans for the scheme before building work can begin, with an agreement yet to be reached over he exact layout of the new estate and number of homes.

Members of the public voiced their concerns about the proposals during the meeting where the application was decided, with a number of speakers insisting the new homes would have a detrimental impact on Coggeshall.

Josephine Grindley said: "Of course this will have a negative affect on the local street scene and local counter. Of course the economy will suffer as will the strong sense of identity and community that makes this village so extraordinary.

"This development promises 120 or so affordable houses, way in excess of local need, and scraps of open spaces. It trashes the irreplaceable, unique and historic environment of my village."

Coggeshall Parish Council were also against the plans, with councillor Tom Walsh stating the scheme was "grossly disproportionate" in size and was too large for the land win question.

Members of the planning committee were split on the application, with some sharing concerns that it would was too large for the village

Lynette Bowers Flint drew applause from the public gallery when she stated the number of homes proposed was too many.

She said: "There is over 156 objections to this planning application and that's no mean feat for Coggeshall because as stated, Coggeshall is not a Nimby village.

"In fact they have supported growth in the village.

"This is far too big for a place like Coggeshall. It's proposed that there is up to 300 dwellings and we know the developer will go for the maximum amount and it is known the site is outside the village envelope."

Other councillors supported the scheme, with Gabrielle Spray stating Coggeshall had a duty like other rural areas to take on more housing.

She added: "I have always said that I do believe villages in the Braintree district, most of them, can and should take new housing we need it for young families to be able to stay in the area.

We need it to keep our village pubs, shops and post offices alive."

Six councillors voted in favour of the application, while three voted against and another abstained.

It is anticipated that the new homes will see Coggeshall's population increase by up to 20 per cent.