A DEVELOPER has had its bid to build 97 homes in West Bergholt thrown out.

Gladman lodged plans with Colchester Council to build the homes off Colchester Road in November 2017.

Last year, it lodged an appeal, claiming Colchester Council had failed to make a decision within the time limit.

After the appeal was launched, the plans were refused by the council amid concerns including the impact on the character of the area and heritage sites.

A public inquiry was held earlier this year and now an inspector has dismissed the appeal and refused planning permission.

Inspector John Woolcock found the development would have an adverse effect on the area.

His report said: “Its redevelopment for up to 97 dwellings would result in a change of major magnitude that would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape resource.”

It added: “The appellant has understated the adverse impact to the character and appearance of the area, especially so regarding the harm that would result from increasing the sense of coalescence between West Bergholt village and Braiswick.

“The scheme would significantly reduce the apparent separation between these two settlements, impairing their separate identities and resulting in substantial harm to the landscape.”

Despite dismissing the appeal, Mr Woolcock found Colchester Council could not demonstrate a five year land supply.

His report said: “It is not possible to be precise about the likely shortfall, but from the information currently available it would appear to be between 400 and 900 dwellings. Taking all the above into account, I find [the council] cannot demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites and the shortfall is significant.”